One of the more controversial issues within the U.S. military is the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy that referred to the current treatment of gay service members.

Recently, no less than the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Navy Admiral Michael Mullen, made his position on the issue known. It has since sparked a debate of sorts, with various people, within and outside the military, offering their opinions. We shared with you the thoughts of a retired Navy captain, who talked about life within the policy, in a previous post.

Previously, the military, especially those who are in the upper echelons of its hierarchy, have given the impression that “don’t ask, don’t tell” is the policy that the majority preferred.

According to a post on the Navy Times, however, there seems to be a change in this mindset, at least among the respondents of a survey conducted among active duty troops. The results of the survey are set to be reported on Military Times newspapers – including the Army Times, Air Force Times, Navy Times and Marine Corps times, on Monday.

Three thousand active duty troops were said to have taken part in the survey. In 2004, a majority 65% of respondents in a similar survey expressed opposition to allowing gay service members to openly serve in the military. In the more recent survey, that opposition has fallen to 51%.

The release of the survey results come in the wake of Adm. Mullen’s statement before Congress that it may be time to repeal the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy.