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Homosexuality and the military
1Department of Psychiatry, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, D.C.
The American Journal of Psychiatry
|January 1, 1995
Summary
Despite societal acceptance, the U.S. military excluded homosexuals. This review found no evidence that gay service members pose security risks or impact morale, supporting their inclusion in armed forces.
Area of Science:
- Military sociology
- Public policy
- Human rights
Background:
- Historical exclusion of homosexuals from U.S. military service persists despite societal shifts.
- Presidential initiatives aim to end discrimination and reverse exclusionary policies for gay service members.
- Understanding the rationale behind military exclusion of homosexuals is critical.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the historical policy of excluding homosexuals from U.S. armed forces.
- To examine the primary arguments used to justify the exclusion of gay service members.
- To assess the evidence regarding the impact of homosexual service members on military effectiveness.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of military archives and court cases shaping U.S. policy on homosexual service.
- Examination of arguments concerning mental stability, unit morale, and security risks.
- Review of evidence on the performance and impact of homosexual individuals in military settings.
Main Results:
- Homosexual service members pose no documented threat to national security.
- Evidence does not support claims of poor work performance by gay service members.
- Existing data refutes the notion that homosexuals are inherently unstable or poor security risks.
Conclusions:
- No evidence supports the exclusion of homosexuals from U.S. armed forces service.
- While morale and fraternization are valid concerns, they do not justify blanket exclusion.
- The review indicates that homosexual individuals can serve effectively without compromising military readiness.