1. there's no discernible impact on management or otherwise that ever other group of professionals in the free world hasn't dealt with already.
Really??? I wouldn't compare our military with any "professional" group in the world, including foreign militaries. Example: The French stop for wine and the Germans don't fight after dark... and this is in a war zone. I understand that some folks want complete globalization, everyone is the same. Heck that's what the president wants.
Anyway, even small changes, regardless of what they are, impact management in the military. It's called risk assessment management and you'd be surprised at the number of mundane issues it is applied to. Now imagine something that effects it across the four corners of the globe.
2. Bad news: the military works for the United States. Not the other way around.
They can have all of the opinions they want, but when the directive comes down, the expectation is that they're going to play ball---in the non-sexual metaphor kind of way.
Yep, kind of goes against your point of it's just like any other job. The US Government is supposed to work for Americans too. How is that working out?
I want to make sure I understand this; and please come down on a point here: You're saying that gay Americans should have to maintain the closet to......cut down on administrative man hours? Seriously? That's the big problem?
No, I'm saying their WILL BE additional administrative man-hours, regardless of how few gays might be serving. When in uniform you can't just walk down the ranks and determine who is gay. It is apparent who is male or female. So, since there is no way of knowing all commands, big and small will need to hold training, awareness classes, etc. even if they don't have any gays. It would be reoccurring. This costs taxpayer dollars.
Everyone likes to compare this with women in combat capabilities, so lets do that for a moment. I was in a management position (NCO) during this time, 1995. We we told about 6 - 8 months prior to their arrival. I would say a few didn't want them to come (maybe they didn't like women... hum), Some thought they were going to get laid frequently. Some were indifferent. I knew my work load on an already busy schedule (preparation for deployment) was going to increase. There were countless BS training, even threats of punishment if you looked at one wrong. They had the males so scared that when the females did arrive, it was like a junior high school dance - boys on one side girls on another.
All this accomplished was the women having a much tougher time integrating and learning during the pre-deployment. It didn't last forever though. Soon after they began hooking up. Out of the initial 125 women the command received about 12% were lost due to pregnancy (and their positions could not be immediately filled, the female billet numbers needed to be maintained...policy). About 8% were lost due to sexual misconduct (the couple couldn't serve at the same command, so that usually meant the male was transfered after NJP). These were the only ones caught. When you're faced with being undermanned, things went overlooked. Fights increased, the dreaded break-ups, jealousy, but on a positive note male hygiene improved and common areas smelled like a French whore house (not always good).
Some of the women were as hard working as the men. Some were afraid to break a nail (a few guys were like that too). Most were average. But, the amount of additional paperwork, counseling, and other issues regarding women never decreased up until I retired in 2003. Time and effort that could have been utilized to better effect elsewhere, you decide, it's your tax dollars.
So will the gay issue be similar or greater or less of a problem. I know it will be more work, than now. If those on active duty have no issues with it, then fine, neither do I.
An 'incident'? lulz. Have you dealt with a modern HR department?
Yes, none have compared to issues of their military counterpart.
Oh noes! You compared me with Saul Alinsky! Whatever will I do?
You like that? I thought it was pretty good, too!
(Toki or Skwisgaar?)
Dude, it's a job. It's a professional career. It's not a choose your own adventure novel.
Nothing about careers in the article. It's about some voice for those serving. If they want one gay for each arm, I'm fine with that... if that is their choice. Yeah it's a professional career, but unlike the civilian sector, you can just walk away if you don't like what your boss asks you to do. Call it a job all you want if that makes you happy. I've had plenty and none of them compare to military duty.
Have you ever gone to a gym? Do you think there's not gay guys there? Do you think when you're in a dressing room at a store that there's not gay guys next to you? Or how about public restrooms?
Oh I'm sure their are, I think it would be a great benefit. I know if I could walk into shower area of the gender I'm sexually attracted to just to have a little look-see, with out repercussions, I might be tempted. Why not it's all in the line of duty.
BTW I was having a bit of fun with Cikomyr. You haven't been around long enough to know the banter, nor would I expect you to. Maybe someone that knows you better would find your attempt a comedy funny too.