Is joining a voluntary military the same as saying yes?

[nicholasair]

I joined the miliatry without talking to anybody about it. From the time I felt like doing it I and the time I signed the contract was about two weeks. I had asked to go to military school when I was in high school but my dad refused to pay for it. About five years later I wanted to join again. My dad wanted me to wait and continue with school for another semester. Then in boot camp I told my drill instructor I was gay but he said there are gays in the military he is in no way sending me home. So just before graduation I wanted a way out and tried to walk off base. My drill instructor caught me and had me talk to the company commander. I then told him I was gay and he put me on the path to go home. I took an to serve the country for six years. As of now I am permantly banned but when Don't ask don't tell is repealed I will be elgible. Is an oath the same as saying yes? Does getting out of my contract get me out of the oath, ethically. I know legally I am out of the obligation. Before bootcamp I had never thought about being gay or kissed a guy or looked at gay porn. At the moment I am living a straight lifestyle. After saying I was gay I thought I was for about two years.

Edited July 27, 2009 by nicholasair

[Reidy]

I think you are asking one or both of two questions here.

Was signing up dishonest if you knew you were gay?

No. The military doesn't ban gays and doesn't ask applicants to to state that they aren't gay.

Is your promise still binding?

No. You made a promise to some branch or other of the military, and they released you from it.

[Selene]

nicholasair:

Does getting out of my contract get me out of the oath, ethically.

That is an excellent question.

Reidy is clear that there are at least two questions. The promise is legally dead with the contract's demise.

However, it sounds like to me that you are asking an internal personal ethical question.

I ask you two questions.

What was the exact oath that you swore to? and

What was your personal state of mind when you raised your hand?

Adam

Post Script:

I was not fortunate to serve in the military.

[nicholasair]

This is the oath. I do solemnly swear that i will support and defend the constitution of the united states against all enemies foreign and domestic

that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same and that I will obey all order of the president of the united states and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to the regulations and the uniform code of military justice. so help me god.

I was off drugs and any medication. I was in a stable mindset. I was less depressed than I have been. One therapist thought I just wanted to belong to something.

My group therapy was on break for two weeks when I looked into joirning. is joining the same as saying yes?

nicholasair:

Does getting out of my contract get me out of the oath, ethically.

That is an excellent question.

Reidy is clear that there are at least two questions. The promise is legally dead with the contract's demise.

However, it sounds like to me that you are asking an internal personal ethical question.

I ask you two questions.

What was the exact oath that you swore to? and

What was your personal state of mind when you raised your hand?

Adam

Post Script:

I was not fortunate to serve in the military.

[Selene]

I would argue that it was a conditional yes and can be withdrawn.

Adam