John McCain says gay troops are "Intolerable Risk"

[RM260boy]

Originally Posted by BruceChris

I find myself wondering if there is any connection between these soldiers being suspected of being gay, and the fact that they had long had reputations as being *accomplished linguists*.

BC

as a graduate of our defense language institute, foreign language center, i can tell you that before DADT (served from 80-89), is was easier being gay in the military at that time, than it has been since. i'm sure if you wanted to google it there are probably statistics to prove it (me too lay-z). i was at DLIFLC from 80-83 and 86/87, and both times i can recall instance where someone was called into the platoon's sergeants office and advised (in private) to "butch it up" if they wanted to stay in the military. at that time linguists were a VERY valuable resource, considering the amount of time spent on background checks and time in training, they really did not want to lose anyone. there were however "witch hunts" as well, but as they say - word gets around very fast -, and most, in my opinion, people are usually fairly good at identifying someone in power who has an "agenda"

l can still remeber in 86/87, i had a squad and the squad leader in front of my squad was living as "openly" as you could in those times gay. he was floored when he found out i was dating someone in his squad.

i think that if - in my opinion - regean had not ruined the military i would have been able to complete my 20 years (i really, really wanted to). sigh.

- hey a post that isn't a one liner for me -