Gays are already bunking and showering with straight troops. Allowing them to serve openly is not all that bigger of a step. Also, not every gay soldier will choose serve openly. But if it becomes known that soldiers are serving while they are "in the closet" this will allow them to continue to serve and not have to lie about it to stay in the service.

Pretty much all of our allies in AFGN and Iraq allow gays to serve openly. And none of those armies are having problems with it.