There isn't a specific group or type of people that oppose the repeal of this policy. There are high ranking officials that agree with it, then there are other high ranking officials that oppose it. The same goes for experts, service members and the general public.
The claims that they use for the opposition are that it will harm unit effectiveness and cohesiveness. Many believe that front-line men and women shouldn't have to worry about this, and the military isn't a place for a social experiment, especially in a time of war.
A retired colonel believes that the military is much more conservative and attached to traditional values then general society and that the repeal would eventually lead to allowing same-sex couples to have benefits, such as allowing them to live in family housing on base, and it would disrupt the good dynamic it has.
Many go as far and dramatic as claiming that this repeal will ultimately disrupt and destroy our military.
You say that there isn't a specific person or group as the opposition. I found this to be interesting. I remember when DADT was the big thing in the news for a few weeks and everyone had an opinion. Never really thought much past that though.
ReplyDeleteOne concern I've heard about the whole thing is that those who are fighting on the front lines. What if blood is needed and a handful of our service-folks are HIV positive? Maybe this isn't even an issue. Perhaps they check for that? Being a civilian and not knowing how they actually handle a situation like that, I thought this a valid concern.
I would think that it would increase the cohesiveness of the military if all people could be included and accepted for their sexual preference. No matter how hard the military tries to decrease the social experience for it's purpose, the people need some amout of it. It seems like the majority of the military is against homosexuals. I'm sure if america continues to fight for gay rights in general, that this DADT situation will follow with whatever direction it takes.
ReplyDeleteI think the opposition has a decent point when they say the front lines during war time is not the right time for a social experiment. It seems logical that the front lines should be the last place to be exposed to a change that could cause some serious issues. I also think people shouldn't have to hide who they are though and if homosexuals want to fight in the military they should be able to without having to allow the army to "lock them in the closet."
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