The Defense Department’s review on the potential impact of repealing the ban on gays serving openly in the military will solicit input from troops of every service and rank — as well as their families — through surveys, focus groups and social media tools, the team heading up the review told Congress today.
Jeh C. Johnson, the Pentagon’s general counsel; Army Gen. Carter F. Ham, commander of U.S. Army Europe; and Clifford Stanley, undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, told the House Armed Services Committee today they seek to get the widest range of viewpoints from both within and outside the Defense Department as they conduct the review concerning potential repeal of the law commonly known as “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”
Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates ordered the 10-month review in February to solicit views about a repeal, as well as the potential impact if Congress directs it. He issued guidelines and parameters for the review yesterday, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that any change in the law is implemented in a way that minimizes disruptions in military operations.
Toward that end, the working group will focus its work on assessing any impact a repeal would have on readiness, recruiting, retention, family readiness and unit cohesion, Johnson said.
