Robert Gates, the departing Defense Secretary, was on a farwell tour in Afgahanistan when he was asked this question by a Sergeant.
"Sir, we joined the Marine Corps because the Marine Corps has a set of standards and values that is better than that of the civilian sector. And we have gone and changed those values and repealed the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy," the sergeant told Gates during the question and answer session.
"We have not given the Marines a chance to decide whether they wish to continue serving under that. Is there going to be an option for those Marines that no longer wish to serve due to the fact their moral values have not changed?" he asked.
Gates answer:
No," Gates responded. "You'll have to complete your ... enlistment just like everybody else."
So, if you hate teh gays (which is what that question was really saying) then you will not be able to get out of the military early.
Gates goes on:
"The reality is that you don't all agree with each other on your politics, you don't agree with each other on your religion, you don't agree with each other on a lot of things," he added. "But you still serve together. And you work together. And you look out for each other. And that's all that matters."
In other words: get over it.
http://www.reuters.com/...