Mommy Soldier...We dont have to ask you will tell

[mckinzy]

Mommy Soldier Reporting for Duty...

Yesterday,  the Presidents speech mentioned Gays in the Military. Today, my office was full of debate and discusion. Everyone had something to say on the topic including me and my leadership was all ears. Gays in the military is a controversial topic and let me tell you, within the ranks its even worse. I cant speak for other soldiers so I am not going to try. I will say several of them have a problem with the ban being lifted. For some reason they feel that the ban keeps things simple. Many believe the theory that what you don't know cant hurt you. But today I am going to finally share my position....

1.  Ban or no ban, homosexuals are within the ranks. I have had several soldiers pull me aside and share their personal sexual preference. What they shared didn't change friendship or our mission in this war.

2.  This issue of cohesiveness is not a real issue because there are approximately 33,000  closet homosexuals in the ranks now. We are fully aware of most of them despite their inability to go public and we're still fighting this war side by side.

3.  Last, I love my fellow battles regardless of who they take to bed. We have a different generation of soldiers but I can proudly say Hoorah to standing next to any of them!

But  my personal opinion is that we should leave the ban in place and focus on the war...just my opinion. Lifting the ban I feel would hurt unit cohesiveness in the end causing us to distracted from the mission.

Carry on Soldier!

[Sruiz05]

Jan. 28, 2010 at 10:06 PM

I am Retired U.S. Army and just wanted to say I agree.  It will put homophobes against those that do tell, resulting in just what you said distruption ofunit cohesiveness.

[mckinzy]

Jan. 28, 2010 at 10:20 PM

Thanks for your honest opinion. Maybe you should come back in and help us manage this craziness..lol

 

(Original Poster)

[Saya]

Jan. 29, 2010 at 7:24 AM

I'm not in the military, never have been.  Thank you for your service.

I can't really speak to the cohesiveness factor, b/c like I said, I'm not there.   But I wonder, if people know already, then the homophobes probably know already too.  

It hurts that the gay soldiers who are serving our country have to hide who they are.  They're making a great sacrifice too, and yet can't be fully who they are.  That's a whole lot of unfair, you know?

[mckinzy]

Jan. 29, 2010 at 10:02 AM

Thanks for the comment Saya...

When discussing it in my office yesterday, one of my SGT's said " If we change the ban then we will have some hip popping guy in front of our PT sessions swinging his arms and wiggling his hips and I cant handle that." 

This is an example of what the real issue is....Cohesiveness.

Thanks again! 

(Original Poster)

[Saya]

Jan. 29, 2010 at 3:39 PM

I can't imagine that would happen, though.  I still think the macho culture would prevent gays from being "flaming".    But it would be kinda funny at the same time...I'm sure someone made a movie or a skit about that.....sort of like Men in tights....

[Anouck]

Jan. 29, 2010 at 5:46 PM

No offense, but I think your Sgt needs to take some sensitivity courses. Just because somebody is gay, and just because (if the ban gets lifted), they can be open about that aspect of their lives, does NOT mean they would all of a sudden break out the fabulous accessories, start talking with lisps, or swishing their hips (or any of the other numerous stereotypes out there).

I think the ban SHOULD get lifted, only because having it in place is blatant discrimination. If sexual preference is such a big deal, they should ban EVERYBODY from talking about it. No more talking about sexual escapades between buddies, no more pictures of girlfriends/wives, NONE of that.

 

[mckinzy]

Feb. 5, 2010 at 9:34 AM

Great Comments Anouck and Saya...

The military does have some work to do if indeed the ban is lifted because from where I stand it looks like many of my fellow soldiers arent having it.

 

(Original Poster)