[Ben Mugged]

OK as a retired veteran here is my two cents on “don’t ask, don’t tell”. Men in combat units don’t fight for the unit or for an idea, they fight for each other. They train as a unit and are placed in stressful training situations with the express purpose of developing a bond. They form a bond which is based on love, trust and a commitment to each other and to the group. They never confuse this love for sexual attraction and the potential for another soldier to confuse this bond in a sexual manner inhibits the forming of this bond. When this bond does not form units are dysfunctional and become ineffective as a fighting unit. Social engineering experiments are best left to college campuses not combat units.

[Scutter]

Great reply. Thank you for that and thank you for serving your country.

[gatorhead]

Hear, Hear! From an airborne infantry veteran. 1/325, 82nd ABN DIV, 1982-1986.

[Steve Newton]

This may be the best arguement I have heard. VERY well stated.

Question: Does anyone know of any studies that would support the theory that gays in the military would increase casualties?

[Taxman]

That is the precise reason homosexuals should not be allowed to serve in any branch of the military!

Furthermore, women should not be allowed to serve in ships or combat units for the same reasons.

You can take this to the bank (or the Court Martial): Sex in the ranks (Officer or Enlisted - makes no difference), be it hetero or homo, has a serious negative effect on morale and unit cohesiveness.

You are precisely correct: Social engineering has no place in the military.

The military exists to kill people and break things in pursuit of National Defense objectives. Degrading that primary purpose with social engineering stunts puts our military and our country at grave risk, and should not be allowed.