Secretary of Defense Robert Gates says
repeal of “Don't Ask, Don't Tell” won't bring many changes to the
military.
The law that bans gay and bisexual
troops from serving openly will end 60 days after President Barack
Obama and top Pentagon leaders certify that the military is ready for
the change.
Speaking to United States troops in
Iraq, Gates said training for the implementation of repeal was
entering its final phase.
“And my guess is you won't see much
change at all,” Gates said at an outdoor event. “Because the
whole thrust of the training is you're supposed to go on treating
everybody like the way you're supposed to be treating everyone now.
With dignity, respect and discipline.”
Military leaders have previously said
that repeal training would emphasize respect and professionalism.
Gates added that training of human
resource personnel, counselors, chaplains and commanders has already
been completed. (The video is embedded in the right panel of this
page.)
At a House Armed Services Committee
hearing on Thursday, all
four military service chiefs testified that training was going well.