"Don't ask, don't tell" is the only sensible compromise for an environment where members should not live in open sexual relationships with other members. The military has a specific focus, and it requires that it be formed in a manner which does not represent the society which it serves. It cannot tolerate drug abuse, theft, open drunkenness,laziness or sexual immorality. It's standards must be held higher and enforced more rigidly than those of general society.

I agree with John's comment. While I do believe gays should have the right to openly partake in any service or activity without discrimination, the military is a bit different. I think the military should focus on things greater than sexual orientation.

John & Music,
No one is saying that we should allow people to have open relationships within a unit. Just that a gay person can say they're gay (refer to their partner back home, for example) in the same way a straight person could refer to their husband/wife (or even their live-in boy/girlfriend). Regardless of what you think about homosexuality, this doesn't seem like it should be a big deal.

How should barracks & showers be arranged? I'm assuming men and women have separate of both. I'm all for equality in general, but I think in too many cases, homosexuals would cause uncomfortable situations on or around the battlefield. Normally, I'd just say 'get over it', but in the military and life-and-death situations, there's no room for these social issues if they can be avoided. Serving in support roles at home, though, I think is probably fine.

I completely agree that "don't ask, don't tell" is not a solution. Too many qualified persons with in-demand skills (like Arab language knowledge) are being lost.