ASK NOT exposes the tangled political battles that led to DADT and examines the societal shifts that have occurred since its 1993 passage. Since the law's implementation, more than 12,000 personnel have been discharged including linguists and others whose skills are critical to military operations. Current and veteran gay soldiers reveal how the policy has affected them during their tours of duty as they struggle to maintain a double life, uncertain of whom they can trust. The film also explores how gay veterans and youth organizers are turning to activism to challenge DADT. More than 15 years after DADT was passed, scores of retired and active military officers support doing away with it. The film looks at the history of "don't ask, don't tell" and as attitudes change, examines its ramifications for gay and lesbian individuals and for the military itself.