Posted on 08/26/2010 11:03:34 PM PDT by Cvengr
In what was likely his last appearance in the Pentagon briefing room, soon-to-be retiring Marine Corps Commandant Gen. James Conway once more waded into the “don’t ask, don’t tell” waters with his straight-shooter candor by suggesting that “very religious” Marines with “moral concerns” about homosexuality might not be forced to live with their gay battle buddies.
Marines are billeted – or assigned sleeping quarters – in twos. Already earlier this year, Conway told Military.com that he "would not ask our Marines" to bunk in the same rooms with openly gay Marines. But exactly what about cohabitation worried him was unclear.
On Tuesday, pressed to explain, Conway pointed to the religious morality argument. He said one solution the corps could consider is “perhaps a voluntary basis” in which those Marines who do not object to homosexuality would agree to take on billets with their fellow, openly gay Marines.
Pressed to explain further why he felt Marines, more than other service, are more outright opposed to allowing openly gay service, the commandant said:
“We recruit a certain type of young American – pretty macho guy or gal that is willing to go fight and perhaps die for their country,” he said.
“I can only think as we look as our mission, how we are forced to live in close proximity aboard ships, in the field for long periods of time and that type of thing…I just think all those things have impact on the Marines and we just as soon not see it change.”
Because the Marine Corps assigns living quarters by twos, they start off with a problem right out of the gate, once the “don’t ask, don’t tell” repeal takes effect, he said.
“I do not believe there is money out there…to allow every Marine to have a room by his or herself,” he said.
But the general said he expects Marine commanders to decide quickly once the old policy is dropped.
“If the law changes, we pride our corps in leading the services in many, many things and we’re gonna have to lead in this too,” Conway said.
“We cannot be seen as dragging our feet or in some way delaying implementation. We’ve got to, as the law changes, implement and get on with it.”
I think it’s more sinister than just “weakening” the military.
The point is to get conservative Christians out of the military and replaced with State worshipping leftist minions
who will have no qualms about acting against American citizens who oppose the will of the State.
I’ve had only limited experience with gays in the Army and retired nearly a quarter century ago.
Back in the 70s I had a gay cook on my boat, openly gay and a cross dresser. Neither I nor my crew had a problem. It was a great cook, never put the make on crew and we accepted it.
The next was my company commander, openly gay and it would come into the club with its boyfriend holding hands with its partner. It caused some problems but it had friends in high places.
The last were two women in my company when I was a 1st Sgt. They were room mates in the barracks and often had lover’s quarrels. Being 1st Sgt. I often had to step in. I wanted to split them up but none of the other women wanted either for a room mate. Everyone but the officers knew they were gay but they were darn good mechanics and we couldn’t afford to lose them. I finally had a heart to heart with them – my copy of the UCMJ on my desk. No more sex in the barracks (both were loud) and no more open displays of affection. They were to do like everyone else, find a motel. They took it to heart and things worked out.
All this was back before “Don’t ask, don’t tell.” If homosexuality is made legal in the military the problems would only increase. I can not see it as being in any way comparable to integrating Blacks. Homosexuality isn’t simply a disliked, it’s revulsion on the gut level.
Placemark for pinging later today.
I can’t imagine why any homosexual would want to be out of the closet in the military.
that pic looks like obambi’s family seal.
...actually, if “Jones” has been promiscuous prior to combat, it might be VERY important to know Jones is a homosexual if the time comes for blood transfusions...
From a completely secular point of view, the General is saying that homo Marines will be able to room with partners, while straights will not.
What a benefit for the homosexuals. Free rooming with their lovers.
I wonder what happens if the couple has a spat? Do they then get to move out?
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