I have three sons. Two are of age to begin military careers. I just took an hour or so to explain to them what the problem will be with the repeal of DADT.
I told them NOT to join.
I'm doing the same to all the young adults in my family and circle of friends. The military above all... especially the combat specialties... requires a life-on-the-line degree of trust among troops in the field. Repeal of DADT disrupts that... unnecessary loss of American lives will result.
I have 3 sons and 2 are already enlisted. 1 on Active duty home right now on pre-deployment leave, the other is on delayed entry.
I am appalled at the repeal of DADT. But, while it has been repealed the rules have yet to be written and it is up to the Chiefs to write the rules. This can end up backfiring big time. The combat arms, which my son is in, is against the repeal, the chiefs know this. While certain things were able to slide while DADT was in effect, the new rules may cause gays to be under a microscope now so as not to cause any disruptions.
Besides that, it will be a lonely time for an openly gay man to be loud and proud amongst a 99% heterosexual, hyper testosterone group of guys. Even my son said it, life would be hell for someone in his squad to come in and talk about their boyfriend, even in passing....It ruins the “Circle of trust”.