Gays In Military Shouldn't Tell - Just Yet
"Yes we did, yes we did," chanted the crowd. "Yes we did."
"Thank you," responded President Barack Obama. "Yes we did."
It was an echo of Mr. Obama's "Yes We Can" campaign slogan that you don't hear too much these days. But for this audience, which included gay combat veterans who had been discharged from military service, the president delivered, reports CBS News national security correspondent David Martin.
After all the applause lines, Mr. Obama had to say not so fast.
"The old policy remains in effect until Secretary Gates, Admiral Mullen and I certify the military's readiness to implement the repeal. And it's especially important for service members to remember that," said Mr. Obama.
In other words, if you come out of the closet now you are still liable for discharge, although as a practical matter discharges under "Don't Ask Don't Tell" have ground to a halt. Lt. Col. Victor Fehrenbach is gay and still on active duty.
"I've been speaking out while I've been continuing to serve in the same job, same capacity, same squadron, same base for the last year-and-a-half as an openly gay man in my squadron," said Fehrenbach.
Still, training manuals for the troops have to be written. Rules and regulations have to be rewritten. Pentagon officials say it could take months, particularly since some of the joint chiefs have doubts and want to go slowly.
"The Pentagon is trying to drag its feet on this and unfortunately what we are seeing is some political obstructionism from the service chiefs," said Aaron Belkin of Palm Center.
Mr. Obama tried to allay the fears of gay advocates like Belkin.
"I have spoken to every one of the joint service chiefs and they are all committed to implementing this change swiftly and efficiently. We are not going to be dragging our feet to get this done," said Mr. Obama.
Once it's done, not only will gays in uniform be free to come out, but those who have been discharged will be eligible to reenlist.
More on DADT:
After "Don't Ask," Military Maps Out Changes
Fulfilling Vow, Obama Signs "Don't Ask" Repeal
Gates: Too Soon to Prep Troops for DADT Repeal
"Don't Ask Don't Tell" Repeal Blocked in Senate
