Don't Ask Don't Tell

Post Reply New Topic

No, you don't have to have political sway, Ben --be the next break-through in science!!
I have faith!

Quite a deal easier, I made the really bad mistake of never applying for more than just one internship (which I, of course, didn't get). Generally, when you get an internship with a place, it's really easy to come back after you graduate for a full-time job with the company without further, typically long and stressful interviews. There's also a program as Oregon State University called MECOP (might be at other universities, too), where you intentionally take 5 years instead of 4 to get your degree, spending the extra time in an internship with a company like Boeing or FEI (they make electron microscopes and the like).

My job search is going just as usual, applying for many jobs, but rarely ever hearing anything back. However, I recently just got offered a great deal from South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. Pretty much, starting in January, they're going to pay me near-engineering wages (I don't think it's good to mention specific numbers) to help the professors research biofuels while I get my PhD in Chemical or Bio Engineering (probably going to focus on non petroleum-based plastics derived from biofuels & their side products).

I tried to join when I was 24, but having flat feet and ADHD and dyslexia disqualified me, I really want to serve in PPCLI like my dad and uncle, personally I think anyone, regardless of orientation should be allowed to serve.

This is actually a tough one, my opinion on this has changed quite a bit from my younger days. The whole idea behind the ban on gays (and formerly women) is that sexual tension decreased the efficiency of a fighting unit, and that is true. The purpose of a military being to fight wars and not an employment program, they should be free to choose their personnel in such a manner that produces the most effective fighting force possible, if that means excluding some people so be it. Don't ask don't tell is a compromise to allow gays to serve their country without compromising combat effectiveness, it may not be fair, but we are talking about warfare here. Women are still barred from certain special forces units such as the Navy SEALS because even if they were physically capable their presence alone would compromise the effectiveness of the unit. If they can bar women, they can bar gays.

I myself am disqualified from service due to my meds, though I possess many skills that would be valuable to a combat unit. I also happen to know enough about myself to realize that I couldn't deal with the discipline and routine, so it's not a huge deal for me, I find other ways to serve my country.