Don't Ask, Don't Tell Policy (Re-Post)

When my site crashed, I lost most of the content I had posted.  As I finally bring the site back to life, I'm going to re-post some of the items I had posted earlier.  The posting below was my response to LTC Bob Bateman, a military historian, who feels it's time to lift the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy.  I would like to hear what you think of this issue.

LTC Bateman,

Judging by the date on the last post, I’m not sure if you’ll see this or not, but it was suggested I read your post by stoneman.   You see, I wrote an article I posted on my blog supporting just the opposite of your opinion.

I must say I agree with some of your logic here. I was just a simple military man (25 + years) with a mission and had to make the best with what I had and I agree we have spent too many resources chasing this issue, and good military people from the service.

My position is simple. It does not come from science, religion or even a moral objection. I do not think it has anything to do with their ability. My position is based simply on my observation of human nature in the military. You know, as most military members know, serving in the military is not a Boy Scout trip. Simple things can become major issues within a battle-tired unit. Things that once were overlooked or were not really an issue can become hot issues for troops who have experienced war, death and days without sleep. It is not like we are asking our troops to work at the bank from 9 – 5 and then go home. They have to live, sleep, shower, shit, and everything else together. Why do we separate men and women in showers and bathrooms? Both are professional soldiers, right? Because we know there would be an issue with PVT___ looking at SGT ____’s ________. Maybe there needs to be four different showers, bathrooms and sleeping tents, but as a career logistician, I doubt that would ever happen. Then again, who knows?

I agree Americas and soldiers have come a long way with this issue and you may be right, they probably couldn't care less about someone’s sexual orientation. That is, until they have to stand naked in a shower with them.

We both know the loss of time, money and resources spent on this issue. However, what amount of resources would be spent on the above example? The media would have a field day with any type of story alleging misconduct or even assault that they could link to the repeal of the current law. Sexual harassment reports would probably be off the charts and moral & discipline would be affected.

Your narrative of the 1SGT not coming back could turn into the tragic story of PVT ____ not coming back because everyone thought he was just homophobic when he reported he did not like the way SGT ____ looked at him in the shower.

America does not force men and women to shower or use the same facilities together for a good reason. Why should the military be forced into a science project during war when we, as Americans are not ready to try our own experiment in a peaceful environment?