Don't Ask, Don't Tell, Homosexuals in the Military Options

[Simba]

Openly gay people are banned from the military. However, you can be "in the closet" and still serve, as long as you don't reveal your sexual orientation. The "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy is often mentioned in these sort of debates.

If a soldier's homosexuality does happen to be revealed, however, they are to immediately be discharged.

There have been some unfair discharges, however. In one case, one homosexual soldier was harassed with e-mails, and eventually, this anonymous person e-mailed the whole battalion, warning them that there was a homosexual soldier among them. His homosexuality was eventually revealed, and was immediately discharged. His roll in the military was an Arabic translator, which are extremely helpful to have, and not very easy to find.

People supporting the discharging of homosexuals testify that they cannot allow such immoral behaviour within the military. They also say that it is detrimental to the military to have such "unique" individuals (where the goal is to have cohesive groups of soldiers that are preferably as closely alike as possible).

Discuss, please.

[*steve330*]

I think it's stupid too. However, you have to keep in mind a lot of what goes on in the military is heavily disciplined and moral is kept under close watch (ignore Iraq). Some people can be homophobic (closed minded asshats) and cause unrest etc, and that's the last thing the military needs happening. I mean while I'm not supporting their banning of openly gay people from the military, I AM saying that we have no need to intervene in the military.

I've seen a shitload of military bases and been in a heavily military immersed environment for about 4 years of my life (ROTC). The military runs fine the way it is now, and the media and civilians need not control any single part of it.