Chicago, IL USA It's sad to see that people can't accept the differences and individuality of others. Of course I think they should be allowed to be in the military. just want them to be safe! I have no idea how their safety could be assured, but I hope the top guys in the military are working on that. Susan, 31
Chicago, IL USA To the best of my knowledge, the standards for physical and mental aptitude are not lowered for the benefit of anyone entering the military under any circumstances. Can he or she aptly fire a weapon? Can he or she withstand the grueling fitness demands? Most of all, are they psychologically stable? Think about it. These same questions could and should be asked of anyone entering our armed forces. I realize there are other concerns...such as bunking sites and such...but if the person has the desire to serve his/her country...why should they be discriminated against? I'd be more concerned about the psychological profile of some gung-ho jock before I'd worry about someone with an other-than-customary sexual preference. Fisch, 45
Preston, CT USA I think that "gays" can do whatever they want. I don't think that there is any difference physically or mentally between a straight soldier and a gay one. It is also their choice to tell people that they are gay or not. it shouldn't have to be some "dirty little secret" although in such an intolerant world it may be in the soldier's best interest to keep quiet. Kate, 19
Bellingham, WA USA Why does someone's sexual orientation matter when it comes to serving in the military? I think it is ridiculous that it is even an issue. Just because someone is gay doesn't mean they are some sort of sexual predator. I highly doubt that gay men will be running around the barracks looking for some guy to jump on. Gay people should be allowed every right and privelege (if you can call serving the the military a privelege) that straight people get.
Maggie, 20
Sandwich, IL
USA
I think that anyone should be allowed in the military regardless of race, gender, religion, ethnicity, or sexual orientation.
Melodi, 19
Hlliard, OH
USA
I think the same as I do about heterosexuals in the military. Everyone should be entitled to choose their profession. "Don't ask don't tell" is a putrid policy. Who wants to live in a mayonnaise world? No one should be held responsible for keeping the homophobes comfortable. Let them squirm. Wake up and stop being afraid of the "PENIS". That is what this is about isn't it? I don't think the same stigma is attached to women. Isn't the military all about the phallus anyway?
Tina, 31
Medford, MA
USA
Gays in the military, like other gays and other members of the military, should be allowed to get on with getting their jobs done.
Jane, 60
West Linn, OR
USA
I'm not so sure the military is in a position to discriminate. If they're offering all this college money and doing as much advertising as they are they obviously have a few positions to fill. What would they rather have: a 32 year-old virgin who's still collecting star wars toys or a MILITANT lesbian?
Alias Irrelevante
Well I can sort of see why they're not wanted in the military, but I think that it's very sad that people of such high status have such archaic views.
Shanna, 15
Cardiff ENGLAND
I don't belive in gays so I wouldn't agree with gays in the military. Being gay is against everything taught in the bible. There is bible to prove it is a sin.
Marci, 55
Diamond, OH
USA
Don't they have a "don't ask, don't tell" policy or something? I guess I don't really have an opinion either way. I think it's okay as long as they don't do anything... Shouldn't they be able to have a chance to be in the military too?
Jeremy, 13
Highlands Ranch, CO USA
i don't mind gays in the military. why should they be treated any differently?! i think it's ridiculous that their privelages are taken away because of their sexual preference. i want to be in the military and i know i would raise some hell if i were gay and they tried to kick me out.
Brooke, 16
Memphis, TN
USA
Of course they should be able to be in the military. Just because someone prefers the same-sex doesn't mean anything except that they have relationships with there same-sex. I hate that the world doesn't accept people because there gay.
Savannah
Like anyone who joins the military. I wonder why?
Felicia, 34
Lowell, MA
USA
I don't think gays [or most people, really] should waste their time in the military.
Karen, 21
Marshelltown/Ames, IA USA
Ok, this is the way I see it. I believe being gay is based on sexual orientation right?! right! Liking the opposite sex is not a requiremrnt to protect our country. I figure if you are tough enough to defend our country why not! You don't go into the army to have sex so it doesn't matter.
Stephanie, 24
TX USA
No objections whatsoever.
Kim, 30
New York, NY
USA
Anyone who is willing to serve my country, willing to die for my freedom, has my unwavering support, respect and admiration.
Laura, 35
Lowell, MA
USA
I feel that all individuals--of any sexual orientation--have the right to serve our country whether in the military or in civilian life.
Jill, 59
Saylorsburg, PA USA
The military is stupid. They say gays aren't allowed because they are a security risk. Why? Becasue someone could find out they are gay and blackmail them. Why is this an evil worthy of blackmail? Because gays are not allowed in the military.
Anne, 35
Singapore HONG KONG
I don't think happy people should be in the military. Happy people are less likely to succeed in the harsh environment of the military, and having to shoot people may make them less happy. I say the military is only for the unhappy, somber and depressed. But if a happy person wants in, I say warn 'em and then let them do what they want. It's a shame, though, I think - we need more happy people in the world.
Seriously, though, I think that if gays are going to be kept out of the military, then the USA had better never send out a war-time draft. I think it would hypocritical for them to ask me risk my life while refusing others the right to do the same. Until that happens, though, I think I have a passive opinion about the whole thing. Something along the lines of "Can't we all get along" mixed with "Don't flatter yourself, every gay is not automatically checking you out".
Jesse, 24
Bowie, MD
USA
having spent time in the military, i can say i dont mind them as long as i dont have to take a shower with one.
Steve, 29
Lake Worth, FL USA
Oshawa, Ontario CANADA A brilliant comedian once said: "who the hell ever turned to his neighbor in a foxhole with bombs exploding overhead to say 'hey, come here often'?" It's an idiotic concern. Just because someone is homosexual doesn't mean he or she is attracted to EVERY member of the opposite sex. The same as with heterosexuals: I could care less if I saw men dressing. I'm in a comfortable, loving, long relationship. Anthony makes me happy enough that I don't need to look elsewhere. Have we devolved so much as a society that we can no longer control "urges" so to say? It's complete and utter poppycock. And besides, if someone is willing to risk his or her life to save the country, more power to him or her. I know I won't be there. Let the people who want to save the world with guns and bombs and boytoys. I'll be in the background picking up the pieces. Battles are won by bombs and guns. Unfortunately, wars are won by starving women and children. Amy, 23
New Orleans, LA USA I don't really think that they are a problem. There are heterosexuals there so why not homosexuals? The same problems could arise in either situation. It's just plain 'ol discrimination if you ask me! Tracy, 24
Ocean City, NJ USA I really don't see anything wrong with allowing homosexuals in the Army but I'm not in the military. Those that are in that situation see the problem a lot more clearly than those of us on the outside looking in. My husband was in the Army for nearly 20 years and he said that some problems did arise but that they were few and far between. Reba, 50
Rockville, MD USA Dont have a problem with it. Emma, 20
Perth AUSTRALIA It doesn't bother me that they're there. They're Americans too. But then again, I'm not male, and I'm not in the military. Karen2, 14
Boston, MA USA Well, now all the repressed homosexuals that made up the military before will have someone to help them apply their camoflage make-up while they all act macho to impress the people who have the power to start the push-button warfare of today. Anthony, 25
Baton Rouge, LA USA I really hope it works, and I think that ultimately it will. . . mothmc, 36
Los Angeles, CA USA They have always been in the military and done their job well, why would that change now? If someone doesn't do their job right, they shouldn't have their job, and visa verca. Sexual preference should have no bearing on someone's job evaluation. Kevin, 33
Sugar Hill, GA USAr