Army Mulling Anonymous Suggestions From Soldiers

Army secretary John McHugh announced authorities are considering a system to allow soldiers to anonymously submit their views on gays serving openly in the military.

"We're trying to do this in the quietest way possible, and by that, I simply mean not to sensationalize it, to try to really assess the soldiers' opinions," McHugh said Friday at Hawaii's Schofield Barracks, according to the Associated Press. "Anonymity, of course, is an important aspect."

The Defense Department's recommendation on implementing the repeal of "don't ask, don't tell" is expected to be delivered by December 1. Due to the current law, soldiers cannot speak candidly about their sexual orientation without facing the risk of discharge.

McHugh made the announcement with Lt. Gen. Benjamin Mixon, who expressed his support of the ban on gay troops in a March 8 letter to Stars and Stripesnewspaper.

"I suspect many service members, their families, veterans, and citizens are wondering what to do to stop this ill-advised repeal of policy that has achieved a balance between a citizen's desire to serve and acceptable conduct," Mixon wrote. He reportedly did not say anything at Friday's announcement.