Pentagon Study Shows Minimal Risk in DADT Repeal

Additional leaked details of the Pentagon study on lifting the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy provide more support to the conclusion that the risks associated with ending the discriminatory policy would be minimal.

According to The Washington Post, “More than 70 percent of respondents to a survey sent to active-duty and reserve troops over the summer said the effect of repealing the ‘don't ask, don't tell’ policy would be positive, mixed or nonexistent, said two sources familiar with the document. The survey results led the report's authors to conclude that objections to openly gay colleagues would drop once troops were able to live and serve alongside them.”

Previously, NBC News reported that the survey showed that the majority of troops would not mind serving alongside an openly gay or lesbian service member.

In more new information, the Post reports that the study document is divided into two parts, one based on survey findings and the other presenting a potential plan for ending the policy.

“The document totals about 370 pages and is divided into two sections. The first section explores whether repealing "don't ask, don't tell" would harm unit readiness or morale. It cites the findings of a survey sent over the summer to 400,000 active-duty and reserve troops, a separate questionnaire sent to about 150,000 military spouses, the responses submitted to an anonymous online drop box seeking comments, and responses from focus-group participants.

“The second part of the report presents a plan for ending enforcement of the ban. It is not meant to serve as the military's official instruction manual on the issue but could be used if military leaders agreed, one of the sources said.”

The Pentagon study is not due until December 1. The new leaked information comes as the future of the effort to repeal the policy in Congress appears uncertain, and the Obama administration pushes against an effort to end the policy in court.