Indeed. I left a humorous comment about the nerds already, but the reason I left the Air Force is that I failed a routine FBI security clearance polygraph. The examiner asked if I was gay, I said no, and I guess the machine called me out.

I didn't experience any fallout from command, but I was constantly waiting for the other shoe to drop.

While I was serving, the Electronic Security Command was very tolerant. I met plenty of almost openly gay people serving in the ESC.

But it's a good thing I decided not to risk it. I left the Air Force after extending one time after my obligation was up. Turning down a plum assignment to Key West. I was just too worried about that polygraph.

And it turned out to be a good thing I was nervous. By a couple years later, the entire leadership environment of the Electronic Security Command changed. Somebody decided the nerds needed to be more warrior like.

Administrative discharges over homosexuality took off. Then, once Don't Ask Don't Tell kicked in, things got really bad.