THE

HOMOSEXUAL DRAFTEE

ROBERT GREGORY

"Homosexuality will not be tolerated in the Air Force. Prompt discharge of members who are confirmed homosexuals, or who habitually commit homosexual acts, or members with established or confirmed homosexual tendencies is mandatory." Thus reads a small portion of AFR 35-66, concerned with "Discharge for Homosexual Acts or Tendencies.'

Again, from AR 635-89, "True, confirmed, or habitual homosexual personnel, irrespective of sex, will not be permitted to serve in the Army in any capacity and prompt separation of known homosexuals from the Army is mandatory."

Faced with such seemingly unequivocal policies policies which are identical for all branches of military service it is small wonder that the young homosexual, about to be drafted, often views the prospect with serious misgivings. Will the Draft Board or Induction Center be able to detect his or her sexual type? Should these agencies be told? If induction is completed, then what kind of life must be met, what adjustments

one

made? To what extent may the homosexual nature be expressed? What are the risks, the penalties?

Before touching further upon these particular questions, it is necessary to deal with another question, which may appear rather ridiculous when set down in print. Why do the Armed Forces reject homosexuals at all? The War Department is surely aware that many capable military men have been and are homosexually inclined. It surely has no more personal prejudice against the homosexual than the latter will encounter in ordinary civilian circles. It surely knows that conditions of life in the Armed Services, much like conditions of life in prisons, foster homosexual behavior even among those who, in the usual circumstances of civilian life, would be quite indifferent to it. It surely realizes that the homosexual in service is subjected to almost overpowering inducements, provided by intimate proximity to persons of the same sex in mess halls, showers, sleeping quarters, etc. Under the circumstances, it surely cannot expect to eradicate homosexual behavior from