Ready Or Not? Repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell

This paper briefly discusses the history and current policy under DADT, and outlines proposed legislation currently in the U.S. House of Representatives. Given the likelihood of repeal sooner rather than later, this paper then focuses on specific policy implementation recommendations for the DoD -- and who should be involved. This paper will not argue the "rightness" or "wrongness" of any alteration to DADT. It will, however, show that to successfully execute the potential new law in the U.S. military work environment, DoD must involve key stakeholders and take multiple actions now to mitigate potential impacts. Such steps include being proactive, emphasizing professional conduct, top-down implementation, training and education, and consideration of manpower, facility, and other internal policy issues.