By Monique Cala- University of New Mexico/ Talk Radio News Service
Secretary of Defense Robert Gates announced Tuesday during a hearing with the Senate Armed Services Committee that the Pentagon is preparing to repeal 'Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ by launching a 45 day study on the effects of lifting the controversial measure that has banned gays from serving openly in the military.
“We have received our orders from the Commander in Chief and we are moving out accordingly,” said Gates. “However, we can only take this process so far, as the ultimate decision rests with you, the Congress.”
Admiral Michael Mullen announced his support for the president's call to repeal the measure.
“It is my personal belief that allowing gays and lesbians to serve openly would be the right thing to do. We have in place a policy which forces young men and women to lie about who they are, in order to defend their fellow citizens. For me personally, it comes down to integrity. Theirs as individuals and ours as an institution.”
Mullen said he will give the president “the best military advice” on how to implement the repeal.
Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) presented the committee with a list of over a thousand signatures of former military officers opposing the lift of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.'
“This would be a substantial and controversial change to a policy that has been successful for two decades,” said McCain. “It would also present yet, another challenge to our military at a time of already tremendous stress and strain.”
Both Mullen and Gates agreed that the 45 day study will help repeal 'Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell' without negatively affecting those who are already deployed.
“We believe that any implementation plan for a policy permitting gays and lesbians to serve openly in the armed forces must be carefully derived, sufficiently thorough, and thoughtfully executed,” said Mullen.
Pentagon To Weigh Benefits Of Lifting 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'
Secretary of Defense Robert Gates announced Tuesday during a hearing with the Senate Armed Services Committee that the Pentagon is preparing to repeal 'Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ by launching a 45 day study on the effects of lifting the controversial measure that has banned gays from serving openly in the military.
“We have received our orders from the Commander in Chief and we are moving out accordingly,” said Gates. “However, we can only take this process so far, as the ultimate decision rests with you, the Congress.”
Admiral Michael Mullen announced his support for the president's call to repeal the measure.
“It is my personal belief that allowing gays and lesbians to serve openly would be the right thing to do. We have in place a policy which forces young men and women to lie about who they are, in order to defend their fellow citizens. For me personally, it comes down to integrity. Theirs as individuals and ours as an institution.”
Mullen said he will give the president “the best military advice” on how to implement the repeal.
Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) presented the committee with a list of over a thousand signatures of former military officers opposing the lift of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.'
“This would be a substantial and controversial change to a policy that has been successful for two decades,” said McCain. “It would also present yet, another challenge to our military at a time of already tremendous stress and strain.”
Both Mullen and Gates agreed that the 45 day study will help repeal 'Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell' without negatively affecting those who are already deployed.
“We believe that any implementation plan for a policy permitting gays and lesbians to serve openly in the armed forces must be carefully derived, sufficiently thorough, and thoughtfully executed,” said Mullen.