In the Pentagon study, 27% said the repeal would negatively impact their willingness to recommend joining the military to a family member or friend, (pg. 69). Twenty-three percent said they would leave earlier or consider leaving earlier as a result of the repeal, (pg. 69) – with 26% in the Army saying that and 38% of Marines saying it would impact their retention, (pg. 210). They also noted a greater risk to officer retention since they have greater flexibility in their retention decisions, (pg. 110). Also interesting to note 12% of spouses said they would want their serving spouse to leave the service earlier than planned, (pg. 4).
David Bossie, President of Citizens United wrote at The Daily Caller opined about the possibility of a draft if the repeal does in fact negatively impact retention and recruitment efforts:
This issue has not been talked about much, but is a serious unintended consequence nonetheless. Statistics indicate that retention and recruitment will be a problem if “don’t ask, don’t tell” is repealed. We are at war, and war is no time to take a chance with our armed forces just to appease the liberal special interests.
So the very people who are celebrating its repeal may also be called upon to serve as a result.