10689. GAYS IN THE MILITARY: TIME TO LIFT THE BAN. This paper investigates the issue of lifting the ban on gays in the U.S. military. Following a brief background summary on the current status of military policy and the potential influence of recent events on future military policy, we will present the arguments in favor of allowing gays to openly enlist in the military. The concluding section provides a summary argument in favor of lifting the ban, refuting the arguments of the opponents and providing suggestions about how to implement the new policy. 10 pages, 35 footnotes, 29 bibliographic sources.