[antiRepublicrat]

Given the bloody nature of warefare, it seems only right to ban them from serving.

All soldiers are regularly tested for HIV.

Then there is the issue of bunking & showering with those who find you sexually attractive.

Ah, the standard homophobe hubris. What makes you think you're so attractive to a gay person? Anyway, in war at least, everybody generally bunked and showered (when we got one) together. In one unit we had men and women showering together in the open once and there were zero problems (although command would have created a problem if they'd found out).

compromising other military rules

I have no problem chaptering a homosexual who actually does something contrary to the good order of the unit, or anyone else for that matter. But to chapter them before they do something wrong is kind of stupid.

No, I'm not pro-homosexual, but I'm not against them either. I don't care about their status as homosexuals as long as they don't push it in my face (figuratively or literally).

[KEVLAR]

The moment you used out the word 'homophobe', you lost all credibility.

[NutCrackerBoy]

No, I'm not pro-homosexual, but I'm not against them either. I don't care about their status as homosexuals as long as they don't push it in my face (figuratively or literally).

Well said, antiRepublicrat. I think people should have an adult, tolerant approach to discreet gayness in the military and everywhere else. But I do not support complete openness. Even though Don't ask, Don't tell feels harsh, it is a compromise I can live with.

[itsahoot]

No, I'm not pro-homosexual

Sure could have fooled me.

[King Black Robe]

How you feel about it is irrelevant. The fact is, MOST real guys are bothered by showering with gays the same way women would be bothered showering with men (probably not vice versa). You don't speak for all and guys in the military ought to be allowed to retain a little dignity.

[armydoc]

"All soldiers are regularly tested for HIV"

True, however the antibody test can take up to six months to turn positive in an infected individual; that person is infective during that window. That's why you get screened with a questionaire at any blood donor center. Any positive response to a high risk behavior (IVD use, homosexual intercourse) disqualifies you from donation.

This is one of the best reasons to disqualify homosexuals from service. Every servicemember is considered part of the "walking blood bank". During wartime, we have the capability to collect and transfuse fresh, whole blood donated by soldiers. There's no testing in that instance. And, to a homosexual soldier caught in the DADT conundrum, he's not likely to 'fess up when ordered to donate.

[Windsong]

"Ah, the standard homophobe hubris."

You just exposed yourself as being pro-homo.

And for what its worth, somehow I doubt being a homo during Hell Week (Navy SEALS) is going to win over many friends..especially when they stick you on a cold beach completely naked all night long with 5 other guys (i.e. strangers), and the only way to keep warm is to huddle as close together as possible. Talk about breaking down military group cohesion...