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

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  • Armed Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON --  Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, welcomed the Senate's vote Dec. 18 to repeal the so-called "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law, while emphasizing that the current law and policy will remain in effect until they and President Barack Obama certify the plan to implement it.

"Once this legislation is signed into law by the president, the Department of Defense will immediately proceed with the planning necessary to carry out this change carefully and methodically, but purposefully," Secretary Gates said.

The legislation specifies that the repeal will take effect only after Secretary Gates, Admiral Mullen and President Obama certify that new policies and regulations to implement it are "consistent with the standards of military readiness, military effectiveness, unit cohesion and retention of the armed forces," the secretary noted. "As I have stated before, I will approach this process deliberately and will make such certification only after careful consultation with the military service chiefs and our combatant commanders and when I am satisfied that those conditions have been met for all the services, commands and units," he said.

Admiral Mullen said he looks forward to working with Secretary Gates and the service chiefs and said he's "committed to making sure that process is well-led, maintains our combat readiness and upholds our high standards."

In the meantime, Secretary Gates said it's important that the men and women in uniform understand that, although today's vote means the policy will change, the implementation and certification process will take time. "In the meantime, the current law and policy will remain in effect," he said.

"Successful implementation will depend upon strong leadership, a clear message and proactive education throughout the force," he said. "With a continued and sustained commitment to core values of leadership, professionalism and respect for all, I am convinced that the U.S. military can successfully accommodate and implement this change, as it has others in history."

Admiral Mullen welcomed legislative over judicial repeal of the law, noting that it "preserves the military's prerogative to implement change in a responsible, deliberate manner." He echoed President Obama's conviction that repealing the policy is "the right thing to do."

"No longer will able men and women who want to serve and sacrifice for their country have to sacrifice their integrity to do so," the chairman said. "We will be a better military as a result."

Aside from the words from the secretary and chairman, the DOD also provided the following information:
  • DoD is ready to take the actions to ensure a smooth transition for our military service
  • The legislation repeals "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," only after the President, the Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs all certify DoD is ready to make this change without hurting unit cohesion, military readiness and effectiveness, as well as recruiting and retention. 
  • Successful implementation of repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell will depend upon strong leadership, a clear message, and proactive education; we are confident in our capabilities in all three areas. 
  • As we prepare for certification, the department will revise applicable policies and develop and provide education and training, to ensure repeal is implemented thoughtfully and without disruption to the force. 
  • Until certification occurs, the law commonly known as "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" remains in effect, and the Department of Defense will continue to apply the law as it is obligated to do. 
  • It remains the policy of the Department of Defense not to ask service members or applicants about their sexual orientation, to treat all members with dignity and respect, and to ensure maintenance of good order and discipline. 
  • We will equip commanders in the field with the education and training tools to educate the force on what is expected in a post repeal environment. 
  • Service members are expected to treat everyone, regardless of sexual orientation, with dignity and respect.
  • Leadership is key to making this a smooth transition. 
  • The military culture of professionalism, respect and discipline will not change, and will contribute to a successful implementation.