Time is Now to Remove the Ban; Research paper

摘要

The upcoming presidential election in 2008 provides renewed focus on the controversial topic of removing the ban on gays and lesbians to serve openly in the U.S. military. In addition, as the United States continues to fight the Long War against terrorism, the military faces a growing military personnel turnover and shortage. Removal of the ban precluding homosexuals from openly serving in the military increases the pool of eligible recruits, aligns the U.S. personnel policy with that of its closest allies, and supports current military opinion that indicates 75% of returning Iraq and Afghanistan veterans are comfortable interacting with homosexuals. This paper examines whether the United States is ready to allow homosexuals to serve openly. It addresses current U.S. social opinions and the experiences of U.S. allies when they changed their personnel policies, and disputes the main arguments used by those opposed to removing the ban. Based on these factors, the paper recommends removal of the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy.