Officials plan first 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' repeal briefing

By Cheryl Pellerin, American Forces Press ServiceJanuary 27, 2011

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WASHINGTON, Jan. 26, 2011 -- The first in a series of briefings to describe the Defense Department's progress in implementing repeal of the so-called "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law is coming soon, Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell said today.

The briefing -- by Clifford L. Stanley, undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, and Marine Corps Gen. James E. Cartwright, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff -- likely will take place Jan. 28, Morrell said.

Stanley is leading the effort for the Pentagon.

The House of Representatives passed legislation in May that called for the president, defense secretary and Joint Chiefs chairman to certify the implementation plan before the repeal takes effect. On Nov. 30, Pentagon officials released the report of a working group that reviewed issues associated with a potential repeal. And on Dec. 18, the Senate voted 65-31 for repeal, and President Barack Obama signed the bill into law Dec. 22.

On Jan. 7, at a Pentagon news conference with Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates updated reporters on the department's plan for implementing repeal of the law, which has been in effect since 1993 and remains in effect until the process is complete.

Gates said the three-step process includes finalizing changes in regulations and policies and getting a clearer definition on benefits.

The second phase is to prepare training materials for use by personnel specialists, chaplains, commanders and other leaders, and those who are in daily contact with servicemembers, he said.

The third phase, the secretary explained, is the actual training for servicemembers.

Related Links:

'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' remains in effect as Gates, Mullen tackle plan

DoD to carefully plan 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' repeal implementation

DoD 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' portal

'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' report (.pdf download)