Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Homosexuality in the Military

I want to make it clear that the opinions expressed are my own. They do not reflect the opinion, implied or otherwise, of any other entity, including that of Baylor University, its students or faculty.
Recently one of the topics of discussion in our Ancient Philosophy class included homosexuality among the ancient Greeks. The subject of homosexuality can be quite sensitive to many in our current society. In discussions I’ve had over the years with other active military members on this subject, I’ve seen some very emotional rhetoric - to the extent that it frankly surprises me. If you would like a better understanding of the anti-homosexuals-in-the-military argument (it’s actually an argument against lifting the ban, but what’s the difference?), I have provided the following link:

http://flagandgeneralofficersforthemilitary.com/FGOM%20Issue%20Overview%20033109.pdf

Point by point, I think all of the hypotheses presented seem highly arguable. When I joined the Air Force in 1973, many positions were not offered to women for much the same mindset as I see in the argument presented in the link. I can still hear the lamentations of military academy graduates upon the announcement of women going to the academies! We now see women doing just fine in many positions from which they were previously excluded, including pilots of fighter aircraft and squadron and higher level commanders. My opinion is that the only effective argument left for those against homosexuals in the military must be based on some kind of morality, but once one goes there, one opens up Pandora’s Box. Bottom line, seems to me that there are significant mislaid fears underlying the argument (against lifting the ban), but perhaps I’m in the minority. I’m wondering about opinions from those outside of the military, as our military should be a reflection of its society, not a reflection of itself. What do you think? Do you think their argument is sound? If not, what is unsound?