There's nothing 'Gay' about being Gay in the Army

djwudi

I recently read an article in Newsweek about the reclassification of homosexuality in the armed forces. According to the article, while being a fag is no longer considered a mental disorder, “it has been grouped with other ‘conditions, circumstances and defects’ like bed-wetting, repeated venereal-disease infections and obesity” that often bar military service.

Honestly, I think the US military is missing a page in its history books when they still label homosexuality as a hindrance to service. The Spartans openly embraced homosexuality amongst its warrior class and history gave them a place on the mantel.

Spartan warriors were known not just for their valor as legendary descendants of Hercules, but their honor and fidelity on the battlefield. Like Marine Corps training today, the rigorous development of a Spartan warrior brought about close bonds between fellow soldiers. However, unlike today’s “Band of Brothers”, the brotherhood of Sparta was one that reflected the open bisexuality of Ancient Greece. Homosexual relationships were not only condoned, but encouraged between Spartan warriors in the interest of preserving life on the battlefield.

Marines often state that the heartfelt concern they develop for their fellow brothers runs so deep that they will never leave a fellow marine behind. In Sparta, that conviction was taken one step further. Spartan's believed that if the care a warrior felt for his fellow soldier ran as deep as love, nothing would get in the way of his fight for that fellow Spartan’s life.

Now, I am clearly not calling on the forced induction of homosexuality in Marine Corps training. But I would be remised if I did not question the Department of Defense’s judgment in denying the rights of homosexuals to serve in our armed forces. If one of history’s greatest warrior states thrived on the open gayety of its soldiers, why can’t the Armed Forces do the same? So lighten up General Pace and allow a little fondling in the bunkers of boot camp, it might just save a soldier’s life