Ok, here we go -
I’m long time Army. Repealing DADT was a terrible idea. Gays have been serving honorably for years; there has never been any restriction on that. The only issue has been whether they could do so openly. Problem with that is it is not an acceptable lifestyle to most people, especially within the close living quarters of the military, and with so many families on a post or a base.
I couln’t care less that someone is gay and serving their country. More power to you. Bet I served with many and never knew; wouldn’t care if I did know… However, I *do *care considerably if it is shoved in my face, and that is the concern overall. Look at what happens with gay parades and demonstrations. Being Infantry and knowing Marines as well, I bet it will indeed have a severe impact over time. if - if - gays insist on flaunting it. Tolerance does not mean having to accept it. It means both sides call a truce and leave each other alone.
Politicians did not think this through. It was purely political, that’s all. Has nothing whatsoever to do with civil rights. What is already happening is that gays are starting to make demands concerning housing arrangements; chaplains are told to have gay “wedding” services. No one gave any thought to the impact on morale and good order and discipline, and definitely no thought to housing, barracks, public displays of affection, etc.
If you are gay and want to serve your country, I applaud you. We need solid soldiers (of any service); it is as another poster stated - it is character, patriotism, bearing, a love of country - that is needed, officer or not. But you should have no expectation that you should be able to openly declare or discuss your homsexuality and not expect a reaction; you cannot expect to start or get involved in a conversation, have others disagree (if you opened the door to it), and then scream they hate you. If it comes up in a conversation and that is all, no one is going to care, if you are doing your job. If you make a point of demanding acceptance and sticking your lifestyle in other soldiers’ faces, then you will have a problem, as well as the unit.
There is nothing wrong with being a coach or teacher. Now, would I want my child around a gay coach in a gym or locker room? No, not at all. As a parent, I would absolutely be concerned, and would have every right to be. A gay teacher? Couldn’t care less, as long as that lifestyle is not pushed onto my children. There is enough of the politically correct junk in school now.
The unfortunate repeal of DADT does not mean that you have to come out and declare you are gay; no one has to know. But you are the one who has to decide what to do. If you decide to make it an issue, than you have to be prepared for the reaction. More than likely, you can serve honorably, may or may not be seen at a gay club or a bar or hanging out with gay friends, and that will be all there is to it, as well it should be.
Being gay and serving in the military is not the problem, never has been. The problem is going to be if gays insist on others accepting it as an acceptable lifestyle.