http://www.defense.gov/home/features/2010/0610_gatesdadt/DADTReport_FINAL_20101130%28secure-hires%29.pdfBased on all we saw and heard, our assessment is that, when coupled with the prompt
implementation of the recommendations we offer below, the risk of repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t
Tell to overall military effectiveness is low. We conclude that, while a repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t
Tell will likely, in the short term, bring about some limited and isolated disruption to unit
cohesion and retention, we do not believe this disruption will be widespread or long-lasting,
and can be adequately addressed by the recommendations we offer below. Longer term,
with a continued and sustained commitment to core values of leadership, professionalism,
and respect for all, we are convinced that the U.S. military can adjust and accommodate this
change, just as it has others in history.2
Significant to our assessment are the following:
The results of the Service member survey reveal a widespread attitude among a solid
majority of Service members that repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell will not have a negative
impact on their ability to conduct their military mission.3 The survey was conducted by
Westat, a research firm with a long track record of conducting surveys for the U.S. military.
The survey was one of the largest in the history of the military. We heard from over 115,000
Service members, or 28% of those solicited. Given the large number of respondents, the
margin of error for the results was less than ±1%, and the response rate was average for the
U.S. military.
That kind of goes against any argument for not repealing it as our men and women simply don't care about the issue.
It will be interesting to see how this plays out in the Senate, especially with Senator McCain.
http://www.defense.gov/home/features/2010/0610_gatesdadt/
