Military sends out 400,000 surveys on gay troops
Thu. July 8, 2010 12:00 AM by GoPride.com News Staff
Washington, D.C. -
The Pentagon has sent out 400,000 copies of a survey to find out from troops how they feel about gays in the military.
The confidential, emailed survey was developed by a consulting firm and contains mostly multiple choice questions.
The survey covers three broad areas: the respondent's history with the military, their experiences with troops they believed to be gay, and what they think their families and colleagues will react when DADT is overturned.
Some troops will also be asked to fill out an "online dialogue".
The surveys are supposed to be completed and sent back by August 15.
The Pentagon is also going to survey military families.
The surveys are part of Defense Secretary Robert Gates' request to study how the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" will impact the troops.
Interviewers are also meeting with troops on base.
The Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, the nations' largest group lobbying for the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," on Thursday advised members and gay military members not to answer the survey. The group warns there is no guarantee for privacy.
The results of the Pentagon's survey will not be released until December.
The confidential, emailed survey was developed by a consulting firm and contains mostly multiple choice questions.
The survey covers three broad areas: the respondent's history with the military, their experiences with troops they believed to be gay, and what they think their families and colleagues will react when DADT is overturned.
Some troops will also be asked to fill out an "online dialogue".
The surveys are supposed to be completed and sent back by August 15.
The Pentagon is also going to survey military families.
The surveys are part of Defense Secretary Robert Gates' request to study how the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" will impact the troops.
Interviewers are also meeting with troops on base.
The Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, the nations' largest group lobbying for the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," on Thursday advised members and gay military members not to answer the survey. The group warns there is no guarantee for privacy.
The results of the Pentagon's survey will not be released until December.