No opting out of enlistment for opponents of gays in military: Sec. of Defense Gates

Source: Reuters via Raw Story

FORWARD OPERATING BASE DWYER, Afghanistan (Reuters) - Defense Secretary Robert Gates bluntly told Marines on Sunday that they won't be able to opt out of their enlistment just because they disagree with a government decision to end a ban on gays serving openly in the military.

Gates, who is on a tour of Afghanistan to bid farewell to the troops before stepping down at the end of the month, was quizzed by a Marine sergeant about the controversial policy during a question and answer session at a base in southwestern Helmand Province.

Congress voted in December to repeal the so-called "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy which allows gays to serve in the military only so long as they keep their sexual orientation to themselves. The Marine Corps has been one of the services most resistant to the change.

The new policy will not go into force until 60 days after the president, defense secretary and nation's top uniformed military officer certify that it can be implemented without affecting military readiness. The military is currently in the process of training service members about the new policy.

More at: http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2011/06/05/no-opting-out-of-enlistment-for-opponents-of-gays-in-military-sec-of-defense-gates/

they should be moved to duty in the most remote region of the Arctic, with their only job being washing the floor. If you can't be adult and mature, you can not be trusted to serve the country in any other way.

A lot of people on DU still think DADT was already ended by Obama's signature on the document that called for a review. And the HRCF, who should know better.

or was paying even the slightest bit of attention knew this was not going to take place immediately with that signature. It was made very clear at the time that the implementation would take several months. Basically DADT is history and everyone knows it and it is a damned good thing.

"grown-up" thing...they'll just have to cope if they are homophobic...

If you can't carry out an order and serve professionally with fellow GLBT servicemembers, then have fun in Leavenworth, you subhuman bigoted fuck!

You signed the enlistment papers and took the oath, that means the U.S. military OWNS YOUR ASS!!!

Carry out your orders. The U.S. military ain't a fucking democracy!