Gay presence on the battlefield would pose "a distraction."

[ChasC5]

I have to send this to my uncle, who was 25 year Marine.
He’ going to get a big laugh out of this one.

Marine general suggests repeal of 'don't ask' could result in casualties

The Marine Corps' top general suggested Tuesday that allowing gays to serve openly in the military could result in more casualties because their presence on the battlefield would pose "a distraction." "When your life hangs on the line," said Gen. James F. Amos, the commandant of the Marine Corps, "you don't want anything distracting. . . . Mistakes and inattention or distractions cost Marines' lives."

In an interview with newspaper and wire service reporters at the Pentagon, Amos was vague when pressed to clarify how the presence of gays would distract Marines during a firefight. But he cited a recent Defense Department survey in which a large percentage of Marine combat veterans predicted that repealing the "don't ask, don't tell" law would harm "unit cohesion" and their tight-knit training for war.

"So the Marines came back and they said, 'Look, anything that's going to break or potentially break that focus and cause any kind of distraction may have an effect on cohesion,' " he said. "I don't want to permit that opportunity to happen. And I'll tell you why. If you go up to Bethesda [Naval] Hospital . . . Marines are up there with no legs, none. We've got Marines at Walter Reed [Army Medical Center] with no limbs."

Amos had said previously that allowing gays and lesbians to serve openly could cause "distractions" and "risks" for combat units. But his remarks Tuesday were the first time that he or any other senior military leader has suggested that repealing the 17-year-old "don't ask, don't tell" law could directly endanger troops and cost lives.

The Marine Corps - which prides itself on its macho image - and its leaders have been more resistant to overturning the law than other branches of the armed forces.

The Defense Department survey, released last month, found that 58 percent of those in Marine combat arms units predicted that repeal would negatively affect their ability to "work together to get the job done." In comparison, 48 percent of those in Army combat units felt the same way.
Overall, 70 percent of those in the military said they believe repeal would have little or no effect on their units.

Amos, the first Marine commandant with a background as a jet pilot, has been outspoken on the subject since he was confirmed by the Senate in September. In testimony to the Senate Armed Services Committee on Dec. 3, he was more critical of efforts to overturn the law than the other military branch chiefs, saying that changing the rules during wartime would be disruptive and ill-advised.

[Exotix]

Not surprised ... Amos, who commanded the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003 and 2004 then *diappearing* until 2008 ... probably blames gays for the Iraq holocaust ...

Sad.

[ChasC5]

Originally Posted by Exotix

Not surprised ... Amos, who commanded the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003 and 2004 then *diappearing* until 2008 ... probably blames gays for the Iraq holocaust ...

Sad.

I can see it now … I can’t Sir; he’s looking at my AZZ.

[ChasC5]

Originally Posted by TxAg

Got any proof or just more of your slandering there parrot boy.

Come on gutless show some spine and once provide some proof.

Yea yea same old story, someone has to prove something to you.

[ChasC5]

Originally Posted by TxAg

Yea same old story, you and your pet parrot can't back up the you sling and I can.

So much for your super college education.

Nice duck-n-bob ...

The question for the resident expert is … do you agree with the General in this Thread?

Can a gay Marine distract a straight Marine?

YES or NO?


It shouldn't be a difficult question for an expert on everything like you.

[ChasC5]

Originally Posted by TxAg

Now watch closely Chas as I do something that you fail to even come close to doing with your fast education, answering a direct question....


Yes I agree with the General.


See how easy that was? Now genius, how about you answer your own question:

Can a gay Marine distract a straight Marine?

YES or NO?

Yes you agree with the General or Yes Gays distract marines?

Anyway, thanks for your answer ...

[ChasC5]

Originally Posted by TxAg

I answered your question Chas.

Do you not have the balls to answer your own question?

Spiders, Snakes and really High places scare me; Gay people don't.

[ChasC5]

Originally Posted by TxAg

It's your yes or no question, do you agree with the General.

No ... I don't, I agree with all the other Generals

[ChasC5]

Originally Posted by TxAg

Fair enough.

Really, I think they're both right. I think there could be some who will be distractions while others who won't. Just as the same could be said for their hetro counterparts

In the end, I think this is a military decision and should be left up to them to handle. Leave the general public and politicians out of it.

They are supposed to be MARINES; any distractions don’t make the grade!

All the Marines I know are tough Guys who could care less if another Marine was checking out his AZZ or his package.

For God Sakes … They’re MARINES, not Interior Decorators!

[ChasC5]

Originally Posted by TxAg

They're also HUMANS.

My point remains the same. Really, I think they're both right. I think there could be some who will be distractions while others who won't. Just as the same could be said for their hetro counterparts

In the end, I think this is a military decision and should be left up to them to handle. Leave the general public and politicians out of it.

The Commander has spoken.

BTW; a real Marine in our office said he does not have a soft side; They are Human Killers!