Study: Most U.S. Troops Support Repeal Of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"

A 10-month study on the policy was released Tuesday by Defense Secretary Robert Gates and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen.

The survey found more than two-thirds of service members responded positively to gays and lesbians serving openly in uniform.

"For large segments of the military, repeal of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell,' though potentially disruptive in the short term, would not be the wrenching traumatic change that many have feared and predicted," Gates said.

Obama is urging the Senate to repeal the 17-year-old ban before adjourning in the next few weeks.

The House approved lifting the ban earlier this year.

Critics, led by Senator John McCain, say the Pentagon's report does not address risks to morale and fighting ability.

In the study, 30 percent of service members objected -- most of them in combat units. But Gates says if a repeal does happen he's confident there could be a smooth transition.