Tuesday, Feb. 09, 2010

Wrong time to review ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’

This is one of these issues that draw me like a moth to a flame, and I imagine I’ll be burned by the time I’m finished.

First I want to lay some ground rules. I am not writing to defend any moral position. Those feelings are personal and based on values instilled by parents and others as well as religion. This is not the place.

However, I am very concerned for the military as a whole and for the Army and Marine Corps in particular. Regardless of the side you take on the treatment of someone with this sexual orientation, I ask that you try to step back for a moment and consider the impact of this decision by the president to review the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy.

I am absolutely certain many people, male and female, who were gay have served honorably and faithfully while hiding their sexual orientation. Being gay has nothing to do with courage, determination, loyalty, strength, or the mechanical aptitude to operate military equipment. I know several people who are gay, and I consider them to be good people and good citizens.

My worry about this policy change is the stress on the force. The military and especially the Army and Marine Corps face greater stress than ever experienced during my career. While the casualty rates are lower than those experienced in either of our World Wars, Korea, or Vietnam, the repetitive combat tours with little time to recuperate with this size force is unprecedented.

This places stress on soldiers and family members that those of us not enduring it cannot truly fathom. Changing this policy now while we are still trying to win these wars will add to the stress already present.

Regardless of the morality of who can serve, sexual orientation affects the needs for privacy. Obtaining privacy is often difficult in military service. Men and women don’t shower together because we all accept that the sexes need some modicum of privacy.

I fear that adding openly gay people to that mix will shatter that feeling of privacy. I also am certain that soldiers will adapt and cope with change. They always seem to do that. Nonetheless, while that adapting is occurring, stress will increase. Can the force take it?

I don’t know the answer to that basic question. I’m sure that someday this policy will change because society is changing. Societal changes have resulted in good change in the military. Racial integration and women having more roles in the military were very good changes. But this proposed change now is a big one, and it will affect the bond of the close combat squads and sections more than organizations not in close combat. These are the people who are fighting and dying the most. Is it right to make them change at this time?

I’d feel much better if some grizzled old command sergeant major stood up and said that this is not a problem. People in suits and uniforms who never spent time in a foxhole don’t have the credentials to make me not worry about this.

John M. House is a retired Army colonel who lives in Midland, Ga.