The US government is in the final stages of repealing it's Don't Ask Don't Tell policy regarding gays serving in the military. This was a policy adapted in the Clinton era as a step forward from the prior rules prohibiting gays in the military and basically stated that no serviceman should be asked his sexual orientation and as long as he doesn't say he's gay, he can keep serving. But if s/he's revealed to be gay, s/he's out.
At long last, that policy is about to be replaced by the only thing that makes sense - no discrimination based on sexual preference, and no repurcussions for those who disclose their orientation...at least no legal/official repurcussions.
The nay-sayers insist that this will be bad for unit cohesion, especially in combat. Well here's my two cents for what little it's worth. Yes, perhaps at first there will be resistance and discomfort. Perhaps there will be some difficulties at the unit level initially. However, all change causes - indeed requires - perturbation. Change is never easy or comfortable. But eventually the troops that are uncomfortable will adjust, they will learn that their gay colleagues are no different than themselves in what matters, and most importantly that it is the desire to service one's country with one's life that should matter...not who one finds attractive/loves. After all, there was perturbation when laws were first changed to allow African American's to serve in an integrated military...but the military adjusted and recovered.
The least we can offer those who offer to give their lives for their country is the right to live their lives openly and without forced lies.
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