Fracturing Unit Cohesion

Marine Corps Commandant Gen. James Conway is ready to take steps to deal with the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell.

On a different, but related subject, Conway suggested that if the “Don’t ask, don’t tell” law is repealed, the Marines may consider allowing Marines not to share quarters with homosexuals.

Conway said the Marines may make such housing arrangements "voluntary" to accommodate any "moral concerns." He said many Marines are "very religious" and because of their moral concerns "don’t want to room" with homosexuals.

Interesting, especially since one of the key characteristics of the military is training you to put individuality behind the team. I wonder if the general has thought through making this exception for the "very religious". The "very religious" are everywhere among us. Some have "moral concerns" for people who smoke, swear or drink. Some for people who don't have the same beliefs as them. And yet in an environment where you must be able to rely on every team member you have to set those differences aside, especially in the military. Creating a special exception is damaging to that.