NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — If you want to know what a member of the armed forces thinks about repealing “don’t ask, don’t tell,” you could start by asking how old they are.
Generational differences appear to play a prominent role in whether soldiers, airmen, Marines and sailors are worried about repealing the policy that has barred gays from serving openly since 1993 but faces a possible court-ordered end. Generation may also influence how a change is implemented, if the ban is lifted.
There is not yet a comprehensive survey of military-wide views of gays in the ranks. The Pentagon is set to release a study in December after questioning 400,000 service members and 150,000 relatives. The effort was ordered by Defense Secretary Robert Gates to determine how to repeal the policy without hurting the military.
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Breen reported from Raleigh, N.C.
