Here is my take- First as a Marine and someone that lead Marines- I have mixed feelings on this and here is why. I often argued with my fellow NCOs then Staff NCOs that first and foremost we follow orders and we lead. So if a Marine was able to qualify to be in our unit and he happened to be gay, I would lead him to the best of my ability- just like I did with the rest of my Marines, no problems at all.
Having said that, at the time this man joined it was not the same and on his documentation he would have had to deny being a homosexual- he lied, he covered, he was in fact acting in a way without honor. THAT is the problem for some.
Some of us who served as Marines still believe in the true meanings of honor courage and commitment. Always not just when it is convenient.
I read the article and saw a lot of comments I'd like to address two types- First of all those who are venomous and nasty about gays- Don't ever make the mistake of saying that stuff about one of our brothers now or sisters (we didn't and still don't have women in my unit) now that Gays are allowed. They are allowed, they are Marines if you are not one of us and you lash out thinking that we'll side with you- don't we won't. Period- Our bond goes to levels most civilians will never understand- We join, we love our nation, we serve it and more often then not we suffer for it. The bond we have for each other defies hatred based on sexuality.
Secondly- I will tell you right here and now MOST Marines are NOT homophobic. We are however, a tough culture and if a gay is present he'll be "bagged on" just like we'd bag on someone for liking poetry or someone who liked to fly fish or whatever. Anything about a person is open game for this ritual most don't understand.
I may have said something to a Marine that others would think was horrible and cruel but I'd die to make sure he'd never be left on the battlefield and we proved that many times. Marines won't hug each other and say man I love...
Here is my take- First as a Marine and someone that lead Marines- I have mixed feelings on this and here is why. I often argued with my fellow NCOs then Staff NCOs that first and foremost we follow orders and we lead. So if a Marine was able to qualify to be in our unit and he happened to be gay, I would lead him to the best of my ability- just like I did with the rest of my Marines, no problems at all.
Having said that, at the time this man joined it was not the same and on his documentation he would have had to deny being a homosexual- he lied, he covered, he was in fact acting in a way without honor. THAT is the problem for some.
Some of us who served as Marines still believe in the true meanings of honor courage and commitment. Always not just when it is convenient.
I read the article and saw a lot of comments I'd like to address two types- First of all those who are venomous and nasty about gays- Don't ever make the mistake of saying that stuff about one of our brothers now or sisters (we didn't and still don't have women in my unit) now that Gays are allowed. They are allowed, they are Marines if you are not one of us and you lash out thinking that we'll side with you- don't we won't. Period- Our bond goes to levels most civilians will never understand- We join, we love our nation, we serve it and more often then not we suffer for it. The bond we have for each other defies hatred based on sexuality.
Secondly- I will tell you right here and now MOST Marines are NOT homophobic. We are however, a tough culture and if a gay is present he'll be "bagged on" just like we'd bag on someone for liking poetry or someone who liked to fly fish or whatever. Anything about a person is open game for this ritual most don't understand.
I may have said something to a Marine that others would think was horrible and cruel but I'd die to make sure he'd never be left on the battlefield and we proved that many times. Marines won't hug each other and say man I love you man so we show each other that we do love each other by pushing buttons and allowing buttons to be pushed without getting angry.
I only mention this because if you are gay or lesbian and you want to join- know that you will likely not get a pass- so don't expect it. You will know the difference between what I am talking about and a dishonorable Marine who lashes out at you with hatred. We may be "ugly" to each other but ultimately Gays can serve now- if you act like a Marine pull your weight, our bond will be part of you and as they say- Marines- we never promised you a rose garden- But you WILL be our brother and everything that comes with that.
I know in today's gentler society our lives in front line troops and often well behind the bad guys front lines may be foreign to you but it has worked and it has made us the most successful fighting force in the world. Gays and lesbians will be accepted- we follow orders- and if we can stay a strong honorable force they will be our brothers and sisters and will be part of a world wide group of people who take care of each other.
Sorry it was a deep story. I just think there is this huge urge by many to automatically declare this a bigoted, homophobic decision etc etc. But the reality the decision ultimately is about the fact he was not honest on his enlistment papers.
And again having said that- those were different times. I do think way too many people spend a ton of time looking back at what things were done in the past focusing on what was wrong back then and completely missing the idea that we as humans learn, evolve and change.
What happened to him under current law cannot happen now- unless of course he were to lie and he'd be drummed out again. It is my hope that people start spending at least equal time thinking about what is changing and being done right as we move forward.
Here is my take- First as a Marine and someone that lead Marines- I have mixed feelings on this and here is why. I often argued with my fellow NCOs then Staff NCOs that first and foremost we follow orders and we lead. So if a Marine was able to qualify to be in our unit and he happened to be gay, I would lead him to the best of my ability- just like I did with the rest of my Marines, no problems at all.
Having said that, at the time this man joined it was not the same and on his documentation he would have had to deny being a homosexual- he lied, he covered, he was in fact acting in a way without honor. THAT is the problem for some.
Some of us who served as Marines still believe in the true meanings of honor courage and commitment. Always not just when it is convenient.
I read the article and saw a lot of comments I'd like to address two types- First of all those who are venomous and nasty about gays- Don't ever make the mistake of saying that stuff about one of our brothers now or sisters (we didn't and still don't have women in my unit) now that Gays are allowed. They are allowed, they are Marines if you are not one of us and you lash out thinking that we'll side with you- don't we won't. Period- Our bond goes to levels most civilians will never understand- We join, we love our nation, we serve it and more often then not we suffer for it. The bond we have for each other defies hatred based on sexuality.
Secondly- I will tell you right here and now MOST Marines are NOT homophobic. We are however, a tough culture and if a gay is present he'll be "bagged on" just like we'd bag on someone for liking poetry or someone who liked to fly fish or whatever. Anything about a person is open game for this ritual most don't understand.
I may have said something to a Marine that others would think was horrible and cruel but I'd die to make sure he'd never be left on the battlefield and we proved that many times. Marines won't hug each other and say man I love...
Read FullThat was deep dude.
Sorry it was a deep story. I just think there is this huge urge by many to automatically declare this a bigoted, homophobic decision etc etc. But the reality the decision ultimately is about the fact he was not honest on his enlistment papers.
And again having said that- those were different times. I do think way too many people spend a ton of time looking back at what things were done in the past focusing on what was wrong back then and completely missing the idea that we as humans learn, evolve and change.
What happened to him under current law cannot happen now- unless of course he were to lie and he'd be drummed out again. It is my hope that people start spending at least equal time thinking about what is changing and being done right as we move forward.