Adapt right? That is what we in the military are always told. So how far do we take this notion? Where is the line of too far or too much? Deaf people? Really!? This makes allowing homosexuals serving openly in the military look like a drop in the bucket in comparison. And I am not a fan over homosexuals serving openly. Look, we all know service members that are gay. One of the most motivated and hard-working Marines I have ever known was gay, but he followed the rules and didn't make a big show of it. This catered to group unity and morale. Rules are in place for a reason. Do they need to be adjusted and updated with the times? Sure. But once again I ask.. How far do we go?
I knew when I decided to join the Marine Corps that I had to meet the standards in place. One of the things that I struggled with was, and still is, my weight. While I don't think anyone would say that I am fat or that I look overweight, I always ride the line when it comes to weight in time. So how is this relevant you ask. I have never EVER thought that the Marine Corps needs to adjust it's standards to accommodate me just because I struggle to meet them. While my family may think I'm "special" and that the standards are too tough, I would NEVER petition to have the standards lessened just because I struggle to meet them. PERIOD! So I can't possibly understand where a Deaf man decides that just because HE wants to serve that we have to make adjustments for him. Change the standards. Make an exception. I have news for him.... HE IS NOT THAT SPECIAL. NO ONE IS THAT SPECIAL.
I have respect for the man for wanting to serve his country. It's honorable and I wish everyone, both in and out of the military, had that kind of enthusiasm and drive. However, the potential consequences outweigh the potential gains in a scenario such as this. No matter how hard he tries and how much effort, enthusiasm and motivation he exerts, he would ALWAYS be a burden on his command. The military would have to make special arrangements constantly for him. Spend money that it otherwise wouldn't be spending (and in a time of economic recession, that is not the best idea). But lets look at the bigger picture. He would at all times be putting his comrades in a potentially dangerous situation. Stateside or deployed. Who thinks that the danger is only overseas? Those of you who say, "well just give him a desk job." are you serious?!? Let me take you back to November 5, 2009. A terrorist act here at home, in AMERICA, on an Army base. You think those victims didn't have a chance... Well they had a better chance than someone who couldn't even hear the commotion! Someone who would have to take additional time just to orient to the situation before being able to adapt and spring into action. So take your "desk job" excuse somewhere else, because it is not an intelligent solution.
When people join the military they are at the mercy of the military needs. You know when you go to the recruiter and he asks you what you would like to do? You then give him your dream sheet of jobs and he tries to get that for you. But you can ask probably 1 in 5 Marines, if not more, if they received the job they thought they were signing up for. You will get a lot of hell no's in there! There is a really simple explanation for this. The service uses you how they see fit. Marines are Marines, and they can put you anywhere they want, anytime they want, and oh by the way, they don't need to give you a reason for doing so. You join the service to accommodate the service NOT the other way around. The military is not set up to cater to "special circumstances or needs!
So I ask you, when is enough enough? Is there any longer reasons to have "standards" if we make exceptions for anyone that wants one? We an on the verge of having one of the weakest militaries that the US has ever seen. How much further do we want to go... Where will we draw the line? If you don't meet the requirements to wear a uniform reassess. There are thousands and thousands of government jobs that directly support the military and it's operations. Find one that you can excel in and make the military stronger. Don't weaken it by trying to break the mold. Change is not always for the better or greater good.
Samuel Johnson, "It is better that some should be unhappy rather than that none should be happy, which would be the case in a general state of equality."
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