Our view: Gays in military

• Cut the current policy down to "don't ask."

Gay Americans serve now. Current law imposes a "don't ask, don't tell" standard on their service. If gays do come out, or if someone outs them, they face discharge from the service, no matter how well or how long they've served. They can follow the "don't ask, don't tell" policy to a T but if someone even inadvertently discovers they are gay, they can be discharged. About 10,900 members of the armed forces have been discharged under the law.

Soldiers can serve this country with distinction, invest years of sweat and blood, and have the string pulled on them even if they make every effort to follow Uncle Sam's rules because someone discovered they are gay. That's just wrong.

So why not make sexual orientation officially a non-issue in the military? Basically, it shouldn't be anybody's business.

Make it clear that every soldier, sailor, airman and Marine is subject to a code of behavior that forbids actions that disrupt morale, break the law or interfere with their military mission. Also make it clear that simply being gay isn't cause for discharge. Anyone who does his or her job with honor, respect and courage shouldn't have to worry about getting the boot.

• Take the time to understand what any change will mean.

Defense Secretary Robert Gates is taking heat from some lawmakers, including Sen. John McCain, for suggesting any change in current policy. And he's catching heat from those who want the law changed yesterday.

He's wise neither to yield nor to rush. He's wise to take a year to have both an outside consultant and Defense Department team explore what any change will mean. Gay rights advocates argue that nations like Britain and Canada have moved ahead with allowing gays in the military with no adverse consequences. As much as we have in common with our allies, the United States is not Canada, is not Britain.

We still have questions. How will such a change affect morale? Recruitment and retention? What other issues are there? Any unintended consequences?

Are there political considerations in delay? Of course. Some critics say a year's study lets the Obama administration dodge a volatile issue for the mid-term elections this fall. It's safe to say Obama's opponents will remind voters of the issue. But the goal here should be to do what's right and fair -- and what works.

• What do those of you who now serve or have served in the armed forces think?

We welcome civil commentary from anyone on the subject but we're particularly interested in the thoughts and experiences of the men and women currently in the military, who will live with any changes in the law. You can send your comments to letters@adn.com, or post them as a response to this editorial online at adn.com/opinion.

BOTTOM LINE: Simply being gay shouldn't be cause for discharge from the military.