Members of the Comprehensive Review Working Group briefing tour in Europe met with U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) uniformed personnel during an Information Exchange Forum to discuss implications of a potential repeal of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy at Kelley Barracks August 20, 2010.

For the last few months, the working group has been conducting Information Exchange Forums, or IEFs, at military installations around the world as a means to obtain the input of service members and their families on issues associated with repeal of the law, including impacts, if any, on military readiness, military effectiveness and unit cohesion, recruiting/retention, and family readiness.

The working group encouraged participants to engage in an open and honest discussion. Participants were informed the law commonly known as "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" remains in effect and service members should not disclose confidential information at these events.

A plan of action to address the issues involved with implementation of repeal of the law will be submitted to Secretary of Defense Robert Gates no later than Dec. 1. 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 service members and their families should repeal occur.

Service members and their families can continue to provide comments to the working group by using the Online Inbox at http://www.defense.gov/dadt. This Web site is common access card (CAC)-enabled and is another way to communicate with the working group on issues associated with the repeal.

(Information provided by the Comprehensive Review Working Group Public Affairs Office)