Gates orders DOD to accelerate DADT repeal

[kpete]

Source: Stars & Stripes

Gates orders DOD to accelerate DADT repeal
By Kevin Baron
Published: January 6, 2011


ARLINGTON, Va. — Defense Secretary Robert Gates has instructed the Defense Department to accelerate a plan to end the “don’t ask, don’t tell” ban on openly gay military personnel and start rolling out its training within a “very few weeks.”

President Barack Obama signed the repeal of the 17-year old law on Dec. 22 with a promise not to “drag our feet.” But the repeal language passed by Congress states that the president, defense secretary and Joint Chiefs chairman must certify the military is ready to lift the ban and then wait 60 days before gay troops are safe to speak openly of their sexual orientation.

Until Thursday, Pentagon officials refused to provide any details on the department’s plan as it was being developed.

Gates in a Pentagon press conference revealed a three-step plan: finalize changes in related regulations and policies, and get clearer definitions on benefits; prepare training materials for chaplains, lawyers, commanders and troops; and then begin to train servicemembers worldwide.

Read more: http://www.stripes.com/news/gates-orders-dod-to-accelerate-dadt-repeal-1.130858

[davidinalameda]

1. pleasant surprise

but I'll believe it when I see it

[Swede Atlanta]

2. Wait a minute.......

As a gay man I support his enthusiasm but I would rather the military implement this change with care. I would never want some rush decision to result in issues related with the implementation. Let's just agree that during this transition period there will be no new removals but give the services the opportunity to implement these consistent with the unique circumstances. I am acutely aware there are many issues to be considered most of which should have been considered during the initial evaluation period. But still, let's do this right.

[Tx4obama]

3. There haven't been any discharges under DADT since at least Oct 2010 n/t

[SpartanDem]

4. i think people are going surprised

just how quickly this happens

[demigoddess]

5. I think people are going to be surprised by

just how easily this happens. I am a military brat and I know that most people in the military are not so prejudiced as it seems by talking to the older officers.