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And ignored in the process, from the Joint Chiefs of Staff pres conference just prior to this abomination passing, Sec Def gates speaking, in part says, "The data also shows that within the combat arms specialties and units, there is a higher level of discontent, of discomfort and resistance to changing the current policy. Those findings and the potential implications for America’s fighting forces remain a source of concern to the service chiefs and to me."

"It is the well-being of these brave young Americans, those doing the fighting and the dying since 9/11, that has guided every decision I have made in the Pentagon since taking this post nearly four years ago."

"In my view, the concerns of combat troops as expressed in the survey do not present an insurmountable barrier to successful repeal of “don’t ask, don’t tell.” This can be done and should be done without posing a serious risk to military readiness."

Press Conference on Defense Department Study on the Possible Repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"

Add to that, from the 536 page Department of Defense Fiscal Year 2009 Annual Report on Sexual Assault in the Military, page 359 “During FY09, there was a strong education campaign, Navy/Marine Corps-wide, to educate Sailors, Marines and civilians about sexual assault reporting options (Restricted and Unrestricted), services available to victims of sexual assault, and crime prevention. Training focused on defining criminal behavior so that more personnel within the Department better understand and recognize a sexual assault. As Sailors and Marines receive this training ad become better educated about the SAPR (Sexual Assault Prevention and Response) program, they have begun to report their sexual assault victimization in larger numbers. By way of example, male victim reports nearly doubled in FY09 and rose from 9% in FY08 to 17% in FY09.”

The HAIL with Collins, Obama and the rest who ignore our Troops to shove this down their throats.