Friday, February 19, 2010

Repealing DADT: Would this impact decisions in Heartland to join the Marines or recommend service?

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?

Posted via web from Midwest Marines

No comments:

Post a Comment

Midwest Marines encourages posts that are frank, honest, and professional. Posts containing foul language, racial or ethnic slurs, extremist propaganda, advertising, anti-American sentiments, or links to these types of sites (except in reference to current news or other relevant content) will be removed with a request sent to the author to repost without this prohibited content. This is not an attempt at censorship, but rather an effort to ensure mutual respect and profesionalism by all.