“Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” information forums held for DoD family members Published June 9, 2010 PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates established a Defense Department Comprehensive Review Working Group to begin a review of the issues associated with implementing a repeal of the law commonly known as "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," should repeal occur. The Honorable Jeh Johnson, Department of Defense general counsel; Lt. Gen. Dick Newton, deputy chief of staff for Manpower and Personnel, Headquarters U.S. Air Force; and Sgt. Maj. Jeffery Seidel, senior enlisted advisor, Office of the Administrative Assistant to the Secretary of the Army, will host an information exchange forum for family members from 10 to 11 a.m. June 16 in the base auditorium. During this forum leaders encourage participants to engage in an open and honest discussion about issues associated with repeal of the law, including impacts, if any, on military readiness, military effectiveness and unit cohesion, recruiting/retention, and family readiness. Participants should understand the law commonly known as "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" remains in effect and they should not disclose confidential information at this event. The working group's mission is not to engage in debate about whether to repeal the law. The mission is to gain a better understanding of how repeal might affect servicemembers and their families should repeal occur. A plan of action to address the issues involved with implementation of a repeal of the law will be submitted to the Secretary of Defense no later than Dec. 1. Servicemembers and their families can provide comments to the working group by using the online inbox at http://www.defense.gov/dadt. This website is common access card-enabled and is another way to communicate with the working group on issues associated with the repeal.