Recruiters urged to reach out to gay recruits
…And so it begins (Washington Times link)
J.D. Smith, an active-duty Air Force officer who founded OutServe, said the military should think of gays when recruiting. “J.D. Smith” is an alias he uses because the ban is still in effect.
“Absolutely, we endorse the DoD advertising recruiting for the gay community, just as they would any other community,” he said in an email exchange with The Washington Times. “The DoD regularly attends public events to recruit, and we believe they should be at Pride events next year around the country to let the gay community know the opportunities to serve their nation.
Why would they need an out reach program? I got the impression from the debate over the repeal of DADT, that there are millions of gays just waiting for the ban to be lifted so they can join the military. I thought they’d be lined up around the block at recruiting stations around the country on the day the ban is lifted.
I can imagine the abuse to which recruiters would be subjected at the Fulton Street Fair. If it doesn’t already, San Francisco would be considered a hazardous duty assignment for recruiters.
Category: Military issues
What an asinine statement. When I was in recruiting, our company had a “Hispanic Penetration” mission and got additional “special mission” credit for every hispanic Soldier we put in.
To put it in perspective, our special missions included:
-OCS
-WOFT
-18X (Special Forces)
-ROTC Referrals (Qualified applicants who weren’t willing to enlist)
-09L (Linguists)
-College Graduates
-Hispanics
Wonder when USAREC is going to get the bright idea to add “GLBT Penetration” as a special mission.
“Wonder when USAREC is going to get the bright idea to add “GLBT Penetration” as a special mission.”
heh, heh, heh…..he said GLBT penetration…
I guess the Army is going to have to resurrect the old Rainbow Division, eh? 😉
There are days when one could SHAVE with the wit around here! 🙂
It gives a whole new meaning when the General gives a briefing about a “hard thrust” against the enemy.
Speaking of which HAVE we seen an influx of recruits since DADT was repealed?
Great question Doc. I would have figured that there would be lines around the corner at every recruiting station in the nation filled with not only gays wanting to enlist, but their supporters who have been bagging on the military because of DADT. I mean, this was the main argument we heard about from those that were, or support, the GLBT cause. Ok, now it’s time to put up or shut up.
Well, they would be lining up around the block, but they already joined the Air Force.
They’ll cry next that they could only enlist as E-1’s, they all want to be Staff Sergeants, or above. They just love those rocker thingees.
You mean when I join all I get is the gay pride ribbon? Well I’ll still look FABULIOUS!
Shoot me. Shoot me now!
#1 Hey David, out of curiosity, what time frame were you recruiting?
3# Hey Tim, how dare talk about the fighting 42nd(Inf Div) like that! Being in the Guard doesn’t mean your Gay. HaHa!
Who DIDN’T see this coming though? Even if you believe that repealing DADT was the correct course of action, there simply aren’t that many gays in the general population. Estimates range to just over 1% of the US population. Of them, how many are eligible? How many are actually willing to volunteer? I’d doubt many.
I was the commander of the Downers Grove Recruiting Company (Chicago Bn, 3rd Brigade) from 2007-2009.
If only about 25% of the male 17-24 (primary demographic) population is qualified to serve (mentally, morally, physically, medically), and gays make up about 1% of the population, then by simple logic only a quarter of a percent of all military aged males are gay.
If the curent active population of the US is 300 Mil on about and 1.5 million total with AD NG and RC together in uniform. .5% of the population. Of that 1.5 Million, there were at most 200 DADT discharges. Most of those SOUGHT after. So at what point was this a major policy issue? Finally, I have to ask in all seriousness, what was wrong with DADT?
I received this from a friend today.
“When I joined the military it was illegal to be homosexual,
then it became optional,
and now it’s legal.
I’m getting out before Obama makes it mandatory.”