Response to “Unit cohesion” column

After reading “Unit cohesion depends on keeping DADT,” I have to admit I was a little disconcerted.  While I completely understand Mr. Jeffreys’ point of view as a retired military veteran and admire all that he has personally done for the country I love, there are two points that I would like to revisit.

First, the statement was made that “a commanding officer will never place a flamboyantly gay person in charge of leading troops into combat if his mannerisms and way of speech reflect his sexual orientation.”  While I cannot begin to argue the validity of that statement, it is necessary to note that every person in the GBLTIQ community is different. Just come to a GLBTCA meeting on State’s campus and see! There are many people who identify as GBLTIQ that are not flamboyant.  In fact, there are people in the armed services now that are part of the GBLTIQ community.  Because they are unable to announce their sexual orientation, their voice and presence as non-stereotypical gay men and women is silenced.

Secondly, and I believe more importantly, DADT does not only affect those on the front lines.  The Armed Forces is comprised of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and the Coast Guard – and DADT is applicable to them all.  This means that military lawyers, doctors, midshipmen and pilots are all unable to reveal their sexuality.  It also keeps those who are open about their sexuality from filling those roles.

As the son of an active duty military officer, I was raised to appreciate the sacrifice made by our Armed Forces.  I quickly realized that, because of DADT, I would not be able to follow in my father’s footsteps and, concurrently, be true to myself.  To join the military in any capacity would mean suppressing and hiding a large part of who I am.  So when I finally did decide to come out, I was also forced to dismiss my dreams of serving my country.

The DADT policy restricts the rights of a minority with rationale based on flawed logic and fear.  Just because someone is gay does not mean they do not have the ability or the right to live and die for their country.  To say the opposite goes against all that our country was founded upon. This attitude of self-suppression and government-supported discrimination should not be condoned or encouraged in our society.

Matt Gromlich

senior, plant biology