The people with whom I’ve worked in the Special Operations community are more concerned with an individual’s contribution to the team, and their ability to do their job exceptionally well, than their race or sexual preferences. It’s meritocracy in its purest form, and a wonderful example set by the Special Operations community, from which others can and should learn.

Gays in Special Operations existed long before the inception and eventual death of Don’t-Ask-Don’t-Tell (DADT). And while politicians and religious fanatics made a fuss about gays serving in the military, these men and women proudly served their country in silence, and earned the respect of their peers until DADT was eventually repealed. 

I was a BUD/S 215 classmate of Brett Jones, had no idea he was gay at the time, and I am proud to call him my friend. His story is below.  -Brandon Webb, Editor-in-Chief, SOFREP.com

“If everyone is thinking alike, then somebody isn’t thinking.” -General George S. Patton