Forgive me if this was brought up in some ancient thread that lay covered in dust

Constantly, the decline in enlistment rates has been adressed it seems. No one is joining, few seem to want to fight.

That being said, I want to know. Why do we have don't ask don't tell. Other times aside I'm adressing the current issue of gays being dismissed from the armed forces at a time when we need all the people they can get.

It just seems silly to say that an open homosexual can't fight, but we need more peope to enlist...

well this is what I've come up with...
it might have something to do with the higher ups in the Armed Forces not allowing gays to fight because of their idea of what an American soldier is. In America, there is debate over the legalizing of gay marriage. If an average American citizen is casually walking down the sidewalk one day and sees a guy and a girl holding hands laughing, nothing is thought odd about it. Same scenario, but now its two gay dudes walking down the street, average American citizen gets disgusted, stares on in confusion, etc. Point I'm trying to make is that the higher up's superficial view of the American soldier is a proud and fearless warrior that is sacrificing his life for the liberty of others. Yet if that soldier was gay, it seems he's not quite as capable of protecting American liberties, it seems that being gay is one of the most sinful and evil things imaginable. But when it comes down to it, its confusing. Should gays be allowed in the army?..yes i think so, anyone willing to sacrifice should be allowed..but for whatever reason they're not. Thats just my take on it.