Troops Assemble for First DADT Panel

Three hundred and fifty rank-and-file military troops attended the Pentagon's first meeting about ending the ban on gays in the military Tuesday.

While some in attendance wanted to know about changes in housing and benefits for spouses, partners, and families of gay personnel, it is likely that the answers to those questions would not come until the end of the year, when Defense Department researchers can determine the impact on lifting the current ban on gays. The review is expected to be turned in on December 1.

According to the Associated Press, a moderator asked the crowd whether anyone attending had served with a gay person. About half raised their hands.