Reply #35: OK, so check it out

[pasto76]

This is where leadership comes into play. As an NCO, and a squad leader, I would not have allowed such a mindset in my squad. Our battalion had lesbians, and Im quite sure gay males, while we served overseas. I never heard of a shortcomings remotely related to that. As far as I know, they served with as much distinction and integrity as I did.

If leadership was concerned about unit building, and morale, then they should commit to just that. They should not be concerned with peer acceptance, or the social hierarchy that is the bane of my military exisitence. Guess that means they arent really leaders, huh. That would be correct, but promoted nonetheless.

Since Bush came around, a full division of troops have been discharged because they were gay. Good idea right, because my army certainly doesnt need every able body possible.

The correct response to SPC Watson's "I dont think its OK" is "skip it sol, you're job is not to decide what's OK and what is not. Is this clear?" When you get a flustered, stuttering response, the soldier should be immediately ordered to produce his weapon for inspection, followed by every piece of gear he has been issued. A good NCO will find a dozen insufficiencies which can be addressed to illustrate that while he is pontificating about the lifestyle of another person, his combat effectiveness is less than optimal, which places the lives of everyone in his squad at risk. I loved that job.

I welcome _every and anyone_, especially in this time of operational tempo, to serve with distinction in my Army.

Word.

SGT PASTO