What's being done today to combat homophobia in the military?

[noamnety]

The justification for keeping DADT hasn't been that gays can't perform their job. It's been that other people in the military are too bigoted to work next to a person who's openly gay. The military culture itself is so homophobic that it could cause problems.

So ... in the last year, what efforts have the CIC or generals made to start shifting that culture in anticipation of DADT being repealed?

[Smarmie Doofus]

1. Excellent question.

Answer: probably "nothing".

But let's hear what the true believers have to say.

[Fearless]

2. Politicans fear change...

They can accept the present because they know how to work within it, they can accept many times the past because it was old and familiar. But the one thing that politicians as a whole cannot deal with well is new change. They're afraid to lose their seats. So DADT remains, so health care does not occur, etc. etc. Politicians as a whole are not willing to put their job on the line to take a stand.

[noamnety]

4. I agree the politicians won't change policy.

I'm thinking the military occasionally at least gives lip service to an issue to show a pretense of support for it - like sensitivity training regarding sexism and harassment, or a briefing about not bullying muslims in the military. Or they do a few briefings saying "get help if you are suicidal, here's a few warning signs."

I'm not personally sure how effective any of that really is, but it does at a minimum signal intent from HQ.

Partly I'm thinking we've heard a big song and dance from the military about how they are "changing hearts and minds" over there. If they believe they are so talented at that, why aren't they at least attempting it with our own troops?

[Iggo]

3. DADT means they don't have to do anything.

DADT means they can close their eyes and put their fingers in their ears and go "yah-yah-yah" any time anyone brings up teh gays. And if you DO TELL, they drum you out of their club for daring to say that you even exist.

Wonderful little system they got going there.