Report of the Comprehensive Review of the Issues Associated with a Repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell

On March 2, 2010, the Secretary of Defense appointed General Carter F. Ham, United States Army and Jeh Charles Johnson, General Counsel, Department of Defense to co-chair a working group to undertake a comprehensive review of the impacts of repeal, should it occur, of Section 654 of Title 10 of the United States Code, commonly known as the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law. In this effort, they were aided by a highly dedicated team of 49 military and 19 civilian personnel from across the Department of Defense and the Military Services.

Their assignment from the Secretary was two-fold: 1) assess the impact of repeal of Don't Ask,Don't Tell on military readiness, military effectiveness, unit cohesion, recruiting, retention, and family readiness; and 2) recommend appropriate changes, if necessary, to existing regulations, policies, and guidance in the event of repeal. The Secretary directed them to deliver their assessment and recommendations to him by December 1, 2010. This document constitutes their report of that assessment and their recommendations. The Secretary also directed them to develop a plan of action to support implementation of a repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell. That plan accompanies this report.