At the request of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Secretary of Defense, the RAND Corporation conducted a study on sexual orientation and U.S. military policy in order to provide information and analysis that might be considered in discussing the possible repeal of the law known as "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT). The study examined DADT implementation; U.S. public and military opinion about allowing gay men and lesbians to serve in the military without restriction; and the scientific literature on group cohesion, sexual orientation, and related health issues. RAND conducted focus groups with military personnel and a survey of gay, lesbian, and bisexual military personnel. RAND researchers also examined the comparable experiences of other institutions, domestic agencies, and foreign militaries, as well as how repeal of DADT might affect unit cohesion and military readiness and effectiveness.

"Prepared for the Office of the Secretary of Defense"--T.p. "MG-1056-OSD." Copy 2 has a CD included inside of book. "Prepared for the Office of the Secretary of Defense"--T.p. verso.

Overview -- The History of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" -- Context: Broad Social Changes and Public Opinion -- Sexual Orientation and Disclosure -- Unit Cohesion and Military Performance -- Potential Effects on Military Recruiting and Retention -- Health Implications -- Focus Groups of Military Personnel -- RAND Survey of Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Military Personnel -- The Experience of Foreign Militaries -- The Experience of Domestic Agencies: Police, Fire, and Federal Agencies -- The Experience of Other Domestic Organizations: Corporations and Universities -- Implementation -- Appendix: Insights from the Expanding Role of Women in the Military.