This was unexpected: The national security conservatives at the popular military group blog Blackfive have released a joint statement on the expected repeal of the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy, and it may surprise you. Just to the left of an ad for a t-shirt that blares “Sometimes Violence is the ONLY Answer,” they write:
We consider the US military the greatest institution for good that has ever existed. No other organization has freed more people from oppression, done more humanitarian work or rescued more from natural disasters. We want that to continue.
Today, it appears inevitable to us that the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy and law restricting those displaying open homosexual behavior from serving will be changed. And yet, very little will actually change. Homosexuals have always served in the US Military, and there have been no real problems caused by that….
Orthodox. Faithful. Free.
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The US Military is professional and ready to adapt to the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell without compromising its mission. Echoing Sec. Def. Gates and ADM Mullen, we welcome open and honorable service, regardless of sexual orientation.
I’ve never served in the military — never known that lifestyle firsthand — so I’m hesitant to give my own opinion on this. However, most of the soldiers I’ve spoken with — both veteran and active — have echoed what the Blackfive bloggers have written. Even the social conservatives seemed to think there would be few practical problems with homosexuals serving openly.
I’d be interested in seeing some other opinions, particularly from veterans or those currently serving.