Combat is one thing. However, allowing openly homosexual individuals in the military is not always in the best interest of the soldier serving. Don't get me wrong, I believe, and I know that there have been homosexuals who have served in the military and in combat and they performed remarkable and admirably.

However, part of the fear that exists in the military among its members includes fear of blood transfusions. The military maintains a walking blood supply thanks to blood typing performed on all new soldiers and that type being listed on the dog tags. During a true mass casualty situation, the normal precautions that are taken before giving a transfusion are no longer in effect. Blood would be collected, retyped and prepared in to blood products to be issued as needed. The blood would not be tested for HIV or Hepatitis.

No I understand a heterosexual can have HIV, however, the incidence of HIV among heterosexual men is only 3%. Consider the fact that two-thirds of all HIV cases come from homosexual men, I would say that the individuals serving have a cause to be alarmed.

The Don't Ask Don't Tell policy allows those who are gay to serve as long as they do not openly act homosexual, is it the best policy, probably not, yet it remains one that the soldiers can accept for they do not have fear of this individuals partaking in the high risk behavior that makes so many other homosexuals at risk for HIV infection.

dmk