More Thoughts on Don't Ask, Don't Tell
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I've read statements from the top military brass about how allowing
homosexuals to serve openly would break down unit morale. That is a crock
of ****! Even after my friends knew about my sexuality, not one of them
had any problems working right alongside me. They knew I was a hard
worker and did my share, and it had absolutely nothing to do with who I
slept with. While serving my four years I earned two letters of
commendation and one letter of appreciation from my superiors. I also
received several unit commendations. I know there were many gay people on
my ship, and yet oddly enough we still managed to stay afloat.
-- Mike Zeagler
The reason I write of my experiences more than my sexuality is to prove
myself as a proud, hardworking U.S. soldier who was willing to give my
life for this country as so many others before me have. I was a soldier
before I was a homosexual. I did my job and did it well. Now that I am
out of the service, there is nothing any politician or military official
can say or do to take away the duties I've done, the awards I have won,
the sweat I've shed, or the blood I've seen.
-- Mario
Where I was stationed, a soldier was beaten to death by his fellow
soldiers because he was gay. So of course there was the immediate (but
too late) "we gotta do something" reaction from the brass. They mandated
"homosexual sensitivity training" for everyone. I was appalled and felt
embarrassed. I couldn't believe we needed training on how to be nice to
each other. Not to mention, this was certainly no way to promote
acceptance of others and their differences. You can't force stuff like
that on people -- especially in the military. They also told us that if
we knew about someone who was engaging in homosexual activities, we
should report it to our supervisors so they could start an investigation
and the proper paperwork. I walked out of that class as fast as I could
and jumped in my car, but as I drove away I thought: "F*@! 'em ... they
will never be stronger than me because I am never alone. As long as we
have each other we will never be alone. We are everywhere and we are
strong." And the next day at work, it was business as usual.
-- Anonymous
The new policy, "Don't Ask, Don't Tell, Don't Harass," just started.
There will be required training along with the sexual harassment training
and other annual required training. I hope this will enable us to hold
the supervisor accountable. I also am aware that a good portion of
service members discharged under this policy aren't gay. They use this
policy to get out of their service contract. Another good portion are
people coming forward who are gay and don't adapt well to the military
life. I have been investigated, and my supervisors stood up for me and
ensured the investigation was stopped. I don't run around telling anyone
my sexual preferences, and I don't think I'm too obvious. I love my
career; I would do it all over again, and I would also like to say it's a
great place to be.
--Anonymous
I don't feel that the environment has changed at all in my 17 years in
the military. And it won't change until we are allowed to come out. I
don't feel that there will be a mass exodus of the straight troops to get
out if the policy is changed. They'll talk about it for 10 minutes and
then go about their business.
-- Anonymous Naval Reservist
The policy of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" does nothing at all.
Confidentiality is not upheld at my base. I hope that others can see how
wrong the military is in their actions. The world can only be a better
place for all when we learn to accept others for who they are and what
they believe in.
-- An ex-A1C
As a third-class petty officer in a medical clinic, I received the
highest marks in the clinic. Although no one ever asked about my sexual
preferences, I am sure it was known. I have to say, my experience was
great. I wish everyone's were. And it goes to show that gay people can
also serve on ships, share a bay with 20 other guys and two showers out
in the ocean doing drug busts, and be treated as equals. I read a
military magazine on gays in the military, and do you know how they began
their investigations into gay service members? They looked for the
highest marks in performance, military bearing, etc. ... No wonder some
straights don't want gays in. We make them look bad!
-- George
As for the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, I say "thanks, but no thanks."
This policy has done nothing to assist the men and women who are proudly
serving their country -- men and women who are ready at the order of our
four-star generals and commander-in-chief to put our lives on the line in
a fight for the greater good. What keeps gays and lesbians from getting
booted out are the outstanding efforts they give to mission
accomplishment and a wonderful supervisory chain that leaves personal
lives out of the workplace. To all my fellow military members, hang in
there and continue to be your best!
-- Anonymous
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