Gates: Don't End DADT Abruptly

Defense Secretary Robert Gates says an abrupt end to 'Dont' Ask, Don't Tell' could have "enormous consequences" for American troops. He didn't answer directly when asked by the Washington Post whether the government should appeal a worldwide injunction stopping enforcement of the policy, but said that the Pentagon should review, by Dec. 1, how to integrate the armed forces. Then Congress, not a judge, should overturn the ban.

Repealing the policy is "an action that needs to be taken by the Congress" and one "that requires careful preparation and a lot of training," he said. "This is a very complex business," he said arguing that the military needs time to consider issues like integrated housing and the question of whether same-sex partners will get spousal benefits. (Click here for more on DADT.)