The Study. The Report.
The DADT report has been published. Most of you that frequent here already know how I feel about studies - no matter the topic.Anyway.....
I have read the report/study entirely. I will not weigh in with a personal opinion on the DADT issue, but I will discuss numbers. Numbers, especially according to generation/age range, truly fascinate me.
What I found most interesting:
The survey questions and wording of the questions
The demographic responses for both surveys
The end state recommendations
Numbers I Pulled:
Service members surveyed -
60.5% were ages 18-31
39.4% were age 32 and up
Spouses surveyed -
60.6% were age 35 or younger
39.4% were age 36 and up
88.2% have never served in the military
400,000 service member surveys were given, 115,052 responded.
According to my (possibly fallible) research - Total number of service members (AD and 7 Reserve components) as of 31 Dec 2009 - 2,269,668. Using those numbers- approximately 5% of service members were surveyed. (Note that the total number above varies a bit depending upon what source is used, I went with the lowest number found)
150,000 spouse surveys were given, 44,266 responded.
According to data that is several years old, the percentage of married active duty military members ranges from approximately 42% to 60% depending upon service affiliation. The range for NG and Reserves is 46% to 66%.
Total of combined responses - 159,318.
I was not given a survey nor was my service member husband.
Some have said that the report/study is inadequate, some have said that it is comprehensive. Are those comments based upon the way they wish the repeal page to turn or on a true look at all of the numbers?
Simply based upon the way that the numbers appear to me, it is inadequate. 2,110,370 service members have not weighed in and a very small percentage of spouses did weigh in.
Doing a fully comprehensive survey is too much to ask, I know. Getting people to respond is always a challenge and these things cost money and take a great deal of time. But, can a good decision truly be made based on such a low number surveyed? Some would say yes, some would say no!
I suppose it remains to be seen.
Labels: studies
posted by LoveMyTanker @ 6:14 PM
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