David Petraeus: "Time Has Come to Consider" Don't Ask Repeal

By: Brian Montopoli
Topics: In The News

(Credit: AP)

In testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee Tuesday, Gen. David Petraeus said "the time has come to consider a change" to the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy that bars openly gay men and women from serving in the military.

Petraeus had much more to say on the issue, but he didn't have the opportunity to say it: He was denied the opportunity to read an eight-minute statement outlining his position, AOL News reports. Sen. Carl Levin, who is leading the charge in the Senate for repeal, elected to enforce a "six-minute rule" on statements at the hearing.

Petraeus turned down the opportunity to submit the statement in writing for the record or distribute it to reporters; AOL reports that an aide said Petraeus wants to read it aloud.

The head of Central Command did answer some questions on the issue, saying he wants to see the results of the military's study on the impact of repeal. Petraeus testified that he wants to know whether changing the policy could make a difference when it comes to recruiting, retention and morale.

Adm. Mike Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, testified last month that repealing the policy "would be the right thing to do."

"For me, personally, it comes down to integrity -- theirs as individuals and ours as an institution," he said.

At that hearing, Mullen and Defense Secretary Robert Gates formally announced the review to "thoroughly, methodically and objectively" examine the impact of repeal. The study is scheduled to be completed by Dec. 1st.

The Senate Armed Services Committee will hold an informal hearing on "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Thursday.

More: Petraeus: Afghan Front Difficult in 2010

Brian Montopoli
Brian Montopoli is the senior political reporter at CBSNews.com.
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by tsigili March 17, 2010 9:28 AM EDT

Time for the religions of America, to stop condemning people who are different from themselves, because of religion. If religion didn't attack these people, there wouldn't be any controversy, in the first place.

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by Dgunner March 17, 2010 10:47 AM EDT: God condemned the same sex relations . The peole are only conveying his message. it appears you haven't read or don't understand the bible.The people who know you and know your screen name now know your ignornce and predjudices as well.How ever in nam I discovered there is no such thing as predjudice in a fox hole during a fire fight as long they were shooting at the enemy.


by quotelawrence March 17, 2010 1:21 AM EDT: I agree this topic is absurd though if they open the door are they going to go co-ed because while I was in the military we all showered together and there went my modisty, though imagine showering with a gay man who is enjoying the view and is showing his enjoyment. I think this will have to be discussed before we find people fighting over the arousal issues and if men will be forced to be with other men whom would like to get friskie, than why not open the door and say no holes bar let the ladies in the shower and get friskie together what a military we are heading for don't drop the soap.; Reply to this comment


by Joutue March 16, 2010 7:23 PM EDT: Joutue march 16, 2010 6:15 PM

There's more inportant issues at hand ( JOBS ) than bringing up the gays in the military, Don't ask Dont tell situstion.
Obama should have replaced all those Bush has - been's, and started a-new. He campaigned on change and left everything just like Bush had going on.
He needs to get rid of all those corrupt commanders in the military, and Robert Gates to boot.; Reply to this comment