Sociology

Throughout the United States history, gays have been banned to serve in the military. Even up to this moment it remains the only country in NATO organization that still refuses homosexuals and lesbians to be honest and open with their sexual identity in the armed forces (Sather 155). Up until 1993, no person has questioned this ban, though then a fiery national discourse arose, and the country was forced to arrive at some sort of a compromise. This compromise, set fourth by congress and the then President Clinton, has over the years caused as much controversy as the initial ban. The Dont ask, dont tell, and dont pursue policy was disputed by the courts, but even today the policy is deemed unworthy to consider constitutionally (Silver 2). On February 2, 2010, Defense secretary Robert Gates said, it is time to end the militarys decades-old dont ask, dont tell policy. Whereas Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said, it would be the right thing to allow gays in the military (Belkin 1). This is a clear indication on how the Obama administration is committed in repealing the so called dont ask, dont tell policy.

No one can realistically doubt the ability of a gay man or woman to be as a hardworking, patriotic, coordinated and intelligent as one of their heterosexual counterparts (Silver 3). Therefore, it is sheer bigotry to deny patriotic citizens who want to join the armed forces an opportunity to do so. Furthermore, much of the argument against gays admission in the military is mainly based on the setbacks caused by homophobia amongst the heterosexuals. Along with this homophobia and sexism, come several other injustices which have been placed by an American society upon people of all walks of life for years (Xtremerock 1). There will always be individuals who hate other individuals, be it women, Jews, Asians, homosexuals, blacks and those of any other ethnic backgrounds. If its clear that women ought to have the equal rights and if it is known that a black man is no dissimilar that a white man, then why does a large percent of American believe that heterosexuals are any different than homosexuals As President Barack Obama said on June 1, 2007 presidential campaigns, It is time to turn the page on the bigotry and bitterness which fill so much of todays Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights discourse. The right of each and every American ought to be protected, at work or anyplace. Dont ask, dont tell policy needs to be repealed as patriotism and a sense of duty must be the key tests for military service, not sexual identity (Pro Con Org 1).

That said, military department has been stunningly slow in making changes on the Dont ask, dont tell policy, but statistics from other countries, such as Canada, Israel, and United Kingdom indicate that gays have done completely no significant harm to the morale of heterosexual officers. The disgusting discussion about destroying and compromising the morale of straight soldiers is blatantly bigotry and is contempt of sexual orientation based on the experience of a number of countries where gays are allowed to serve in the military. While US is supposed to be a world leader in respecting human right, including sexual identity, has fall short in addressing the issue of homosexuals and lesbians in the military. If gays cannot be given a chance to serve in the military because of their sexual orientation, then this is perceived by many people as an infringement of gays identity and subsequent violation of human right.  Just to emphasize, the rights of gays in the military, on Wednesday January 27, 2010 President Obama said, the notion that people are created equal, that no matter who you are and what you look like, if you stand for the constitution you ought to be protected by it, that if you stick to our values you must be treated no different than anyone else (Ingram 1).

Conversely, while the United States government should not sanction discrimination against lesbians and gay men in general, military presents a special case. In the armed forces, the closeness in which officers should live, sharing showers and bedrooms in single sex accommodation, both day and night deters gays to serve in the military. It is a fact that the efficient and effectiveness of military officers depends on uncomplicated camaraderie and mutual understanding. Tension between soldiers that may perhaps emanate from sexual relations of whatever gender stands to undermine the much needed bond (Jones 1).

Therefore, the American society in general, and the military in particular, are not yet willing for the incorporation of open lesbianism and homosexuality. Open homosexuals and lesbians in the armed forces would be in danger of attack or abuse from their colleagues who are straight (Sather 157). Additionally, a genuine concern of allowing gays to serve in the military is that not each and every gay who apply for the military has a vocational calling. Its perceived that high concentration of persons of one gender in a military unit make it a prolific source of sexual partners, and will goad, provoke or spur a lopsided gravitation of lesbians, bisexuals and gays towards application. This in turn will sting even more homophobia amongst heterosexuals as these motives turn out to be clear.

Conclusion
The present global terrorism dictates an urgent need for a sturdy, revitalized military force. Therefore, engaging in more pertinent issues, which affect almost all enlisted troops, would be vital for the security of this country. Hand wringing about sexual peccadilloes appears like a petty, archaic issue in the face of greater moral and administrative issues facing disciplined forces. However, cautious steps ought to be taken when repealing Dont ask, dont tell policy to address the possible blackmails that may impact the military as a result of incorporating gays in the military.