‘Don’t ask’ debate heats up online - Military News | News From Afghanistan, Iraq And Around The World - Military Times

‘Don’t ask’ debate heats up online

Service members have flooded online message boards since Joint Chiefs Chairman Adm. Mike Mullen told Congress Feb. 2 that he personally supports repealing the ban on open military service by gays.

Within days, Army Maj. Gen. James Terry, commander of the 10th Mountain Division, created a forum on the Task Force Mountain Web site to discuss “the potential Soldier concerns/issues senior military leadership will need to address.”

As of Feb. 11, the forum had drawn nearly 100 posts.

Similarly, dozens of current and former service members have responded to Mullen’s comments on “Chairman’s Corner,” his official blog.

Hundreds more have spoken up on the social networking site Facebook. On the day of Mullen’s announcement, the Army’s official Facebook page hosted a discussion called “Ban on gays serving openly.” As of Feb. 11, it had attracted nearly 500 comments.

Not surprisingly, the tone of the posts reflects the intense debate surrounding the issue.

“I was a grunt. ... The few soldiers that others suspected of being gay were harassed and beat up,” read one Facebook discussion post under the name John Wilson. “I think it’s suicide for any soldier, especially in combat arms [military occupational specialties] to let others know a soldier is gay.”

“I’m gay, but I shoot expert with an M4A1, and an M9. I was an expert with the grenade. I was in Spec Ops … I went to dozens of schools, I was airborne, etc. I have more bravery, balls, know-how, drive, and skill ... than two-thirds of our infantrymen ... and you don’t want ME in YOUR military?” read a post on the same thread under the name Jonathan Fessenden.

Emotions ran high even on Mullen’s blog on the Pentagon’s Web site. Some applauded his position; others derided it.

“I have watched your testimony to Congress over and over,” wrote an individual under the name E4 ANG. “I find it both heartfelt and genuine; deliberated and courageous. I have no doubt ... that your words will solidify you in history not unlike Truman. … You have shown us what true leadership is about.”

Jeffrey C. Long, who described himself as a former officer and top graduate of the Army’s Infantry Officer Basic Course, objected to Mullen’s argument for repeal on moral grounds.

“You and any others — including [Defense Secretary Robert] Gates and Gen. [Colin] Powell — who would dare open up the United States Armed Services to the unfettered admission of homosexuals should all be court-martialed and sent to Leavenworth,” he wrote.

Many replied to the 10th Mountain Division commander by questioning the practical implications of overturning the current law and policy.

“What are you going to do when a subordinate states that he received an unfair evaluation because his superior is gay and had conflict with him personally given his anti-gay moral stands?” stated a post under the name DIV Field Grade. “In a time of war, please do not burden my burned-out unit more than it is already.”

Terry could not be reached for comment. But 10th Mountain Division spokesman Maj. Fred Harrell said the message board provides valuable information to eventually report up the chain of command.

“By posing this question, he gets feedback from all levels, all ranks,” Harrell said of Terry. “It gives him a lot of great information … to use when he gets asked what concerns he has as a division commander.”

Military Times’ own forums saw a surge in activity in the wake of Mullen’s comments and the subsequent publication of a survey of more than 3,000 active-duty readers on the topic. Posts ranged from personal attacks to predictions about overturning the gay ban.

“Some people will b---- and moan, then they’ll get over it and get on with their duty; just like they did with integrating blacks, letting women on ships, women in combat, etc.,” wrote someone with the profile nameWeTheSheeple.

Related reading

• Troops speak out on gays serving openly

• Stressed by a double life

• Research more likely than repeal this year

• Surveying the military