Gays in the Military Devoted citizens should not be discriminated against while serving in their country's military, regardless of their sexual orientation. Several studies demonstrate that allowing gays and lesbians to serve openly in the armed forces can lead to more positive career outcomes. Firing trained military personnel because of their sexual orientation is costly and results in a loss of talent. Allowing gay people to serve openly ends decades of discrimination in the military and can lead to a more highly qualified recruit pool. The “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy, used since 1992, does not work. This was the official policy of the United States Department regarding homosexuals in the military. Members of the armed forces were prohibited from revealing their sexual orientation. At the same time, superiors were not allowed to inquire about a soldier's sexual orientation. “The U.S. military's 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy is a form of institutionalized discrimination that creates an environment of fear and reduces the integrity and cohesion of the armed forces. " (I...