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Log Cabin Republicans Looks Forward to the Release of Pentagon Assessment on Repeal of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'

November 29, 2010

(Washington, DC)  – Log Cabin Republicans anticipates the release of the Pentagon Working Group report on the impact and implementation of open service in the United States Armed Forces.

"For the last nine months, the Department of Defense has diligently sought to answer the questions associated with open service in our armed forces, and by all indications this report will show open service can be implemented without negative impacts upon military readiness, military effectiveness, unit cohesion, recruitment, retention or family readiness," said R. Clarke Cooper, Executive Director Log Cabin Republicans. "Now is the time for the United States Congress to strike this failed and unconstitutional policy. It is certainly not the time to pretend 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' works, as Senator John McCain suggested. While I respect his tenure and committee leadership, on this issue Senator McCain is wrong. This policy is a relic of the past and should be terminated so the United States military can best protect our national interests and fulfill our peace-keeping obligations."

On Tuesday, November 30, the Comprehensive Working Group will submit their report to Secretary Robert Gates. The Pentagon report includes data from surveys sent to over half a million servicemembers and military spouses. On December 2nd and December 3rd the Senate Armed Services Committee will hear from Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen, Comprehensive Working Group Co-Chairmen, Jeh Johnson and General Carter Hamm, as well as the respective service chiefs from the Army, Marine Corps, Navy and Air Force.