John McCain

The number of discharges for homosexual conduct has consistently been far less than 1 percent, compared to discharges for other reasons.

The DADT policy lawfully cannot be repealed or ignored, despite the President's preferences

General Casey, have these vehicles been placed on units' property books?

Does this make sense to you?

The current plan calls for approximately 600-1,000 permanently-stationed Army personnel to perform duties at Thomson...

Presently, and for the short term, we lack sufficient strategic flexibility, and we continue to accumulate risk.

You don't have to be straight to shoot straight.

I think it's a laudable goal.

In other words, you think we need supplementals?

The All-Volunteer Force is a national treasure, as Senator McCain mentioned.

Secretary Gates, if the effective date of the law were postponed, how could current law be enforced pending that date?

What are the views of the other Joint Chiefs of Staff and the combatant commanders about changing the existing homosexual conduct policy?

Secretary Gates, do you think that servicemembers with more than 10 years of military service should be given a temporary retirement option or some other separation payment if they express objection to serving on Active Duty with openly…

I support Congress' examination of Don't Ask, Don't Tell, and should the law change we will work within any new guidance.

You have outlined plans for a study about changing, or more likely, repealing the current law regarding military service by homosexuals.

How is the Army preparing to deal with future disaster relief missions, to include assisting partners to better prepare for these regional and global responses?

Should the Iraqi elections scheduled for March 7 be postponed, will the Army be capable of sustaining the necessary forces in Iraq?

Unfortunately, last year we put hate crimes on the defense authorization.

Secretary Gates, are the actions you are directing intended to strengthen the argument for repeal of existing law?

Secretary Gates, the 2008 Military Times poll of active duty subscriber/respondents found that 10 percent said they would decline reenlistment if the law is repealed, and another 14 percent would consider ending their careers.

I cannot say for certain how repeal might affect recruiting and retention.

Secretary Gates, please explain in detail how you intend to authoritatively understand the views and attitudes of Active and Reserve servicemembers.

Secretary Gates, as part of your review, do you intend to seek the views of veterans or retired members of the Armed Forces? If no, why not?

Secretary Gates, what difference will it make, if any, in DOD planning if a significant proportion--say 50 percent--of servicemembers and their families register objection to a change in the policy?

Are funds included in DOD's FYDP to invest in the existing facilities at Bethesda to raise them to world-class standards?