How would lifting the ban on openly gay military service affect recruiting and retention in the Midwest?
With top military leaders now endorsing an eventual repeal of the 1993 “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, it’s a fair question – perhaps even fairer, more valid, and of more immediate concern than speculating on an individual’s performance in combat based on his or her sexual orientation. Still, it’s a question I’ve only seen asked once in earnest over the past year (and the answer’s still pending). Just as important a question is whether or not lifting the ban would effect decisions for continued service by those already in the ranks.
While a recent New York Times/CBS News poll reflected that a majority of the public supports homosexuals serving openly in the military, a Military Times poll of subscribers indicated that those already in the ranks may have a different opinion. However, neither poll appears to be a valid representative sample of either the American public or the military community.
So here are my questions: How would repealing the ban ...
- ... impact a young person’s decision in the Midwest to serve in the Marine Corps?
- ... affect whether or not Midwestern parents, educators, coaches, and community leaders encourage their sons, daughters, and students to join the Corps?
- ... influence the decision to continue serving for Midwesterners already in the ranks?
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