Asia-Pacific

Pentagon to issue report on gays in military Nov 30

(Agencies)
Updated: 2010-11-22 09:38

Accelerated schedule

The report, which included a survey of service members, has been closely guarded, but The Washington Post reported earlier this month that the group conducting the study had determined the ban on gays could be lifted with little impact on the military and the current wars.

The Post said more than 70 percent of active-duty and military reserve members said in a survey the impact of lifting the ban would be positive, mixed or nonexistent. Gates launched an investigation of the leaking incident.

Gates intended initially to have the report on his desk by Dec. 1, with further review to follow. But he has accelerated the schedule to get the report to the Armed Services Committee.

"The secretary has instructed his staff, without cutting any corners, to have everything ready a day sooner because he wants to ensure members of the Armed Services Committee are able to read and consider the complex, lengthy report before holding hearings with its authors and the Joint Chiefs of Staff," Morrell said.

A federal judge ordered the military to stop enforcing the ban in October and there has been confusion about the policy as higher courts have upheld or overruled implementation of the order while awaiting an appeal.

At one point, the military had four different policies in the space of two weeks, Gates said, which raised his concern about having the issue settled by the courts.

"Having to implement this immediately and without preparation and without taking the steps to mitigate whatever risks there are, I think, is the worst of all possible outcomes, being directed to do it by a court with no notice," Gates said.