Defense Secretary Robert Gates wants To Accelerate DADT Repeal

EFFICIENCIES BRIEFING - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, brief the press on proposed efficiencies that mark the next major step in the Defense Department's reform agenda at the Pentagon, Jan. 6, 2011. DOD photo by U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Jerry Morrison

Gates Orders DOD To Accelerate DADT Repeal -- Stars And Stripes

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.

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Update: Pentagon moving to end 'don't ask,' Gates says -- Washington Post

My Comment: I sometimes wonder if Sec. of Defense Gates has its priorities right .... for me .... DADT would be on the bottom of my priority list and saving (not cutting) overall troop strength would be my #1 priority.