I don't understand why gays and lesbians are disallowed from serving in the military. If they are physically and mentally qualified for the job, and they can work professionally in a military environment, just like everyone else who serves, why is their sexuality an issue?
There are plenty of gay and lesbian firefighters, cops, and paramedics and there doesn't seem to be any sort of systemic problem with them doing those sorts of jobs, even in the company of straight people, so why the military exemption?
"why is their sexuality an issue?"
Apparently they are the ones making it an issue. Don't ask, don't tell. What's wrong with that?
At one point, during a mind numbing briefing about the EEO policy, a perky HR speaker launched into a sweeping proclamation of how the agency didn't discriminate against anyone. She then rattled off a long list of people that they embraced. It was pretty much the exact Army boilerplate that I had sat through a hundred times. Right up until she said the words, 'Gay and lesbian'.
At this point, I actually laughed. Out loud. Clearly, she must be some kind of new hire. She didn't realize that you couldn't have a security clearance if you're homosexual. I figured that she must have just autopiloted to the industry standard line, and didn't get the memo from her new employer.
I didn't have long to enjoy that joke. A soldier sitting next to me realized why I was laughing. He discreetly leaned over and whispered, "Hey, they changed that rule years ago. Civilians can hold clearances, even if they're gay."
Oh.
By this point, the entire room is staring at me like I'm some kind of newly thawed Neanderthal. I raised my hand and confirmed what I had just learned. The HR girl patiently explained that while the civilians were free to do whatever they wanted, including having gay support groups and clubs, military people were warned against attending. They were welcome to do so, of course, but they risked being kicked out of the military due to "Don't ask, don't tell" policy. (Although the agency was always hiring, wink wink).
At any rate, I remain ambivalent about the idea of gays in the military, but I have to admit that our current policy doesn't really make a lot of sense, especially when lined up against other professionals that are able to get by just fine. Many of those professionals, I might add, have spent quite a bit of time downrange in the War on Terror. Something to think about, I guess.
you don't know anything about the military it is far more than just pointing a gun.
It is about integrity of command and the ability of the forces to be disciplined in the mind.
Homosexuality is only about sex. Homosxuals have no place in any military.
Soldiers and Sailors often have less space between each other than a coffin. Submariners have too little space for privacy and the last thing needed is a sexual fetishist.
Prohibity homosexuals is no different than prohibiting pedophiles or those who have sex with animals.