Columnists and politicians, even military officers, are decrying the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy ("Lift ban on gays, military officials say," Tribune , Feb. 3). That sounds good in theory. Certainly, in the field, in action against an armed enemy, sexual preference is irrelevant. But in the barracks, it's a different story.

Long ago, I served in the U.S. Army, generally billeted in barracks, with individual cots only a few feet apart and with men showering together. Although I saw no sexual activity, one gay soldier approached me with broad hints, and since I was only 18 years old and quite innocent, I was shocked and angered. I picked up his duffel bag, threw it out the door and told him to leave -- forever. With greater maturity, I would not do the same today. Yet I am sure that the same barracks intimacy still exists in today's military.

"Don't ask, don't tell" at least keeps any sexual activity unseen and out of the barracks. Therefore, we should retain the present policy toward gays and lesbians. "Don't ask, don't tell" still works.

Bud Rusho

Salt Lake City