Gates Pushes for Training ASAP

Defense Secretary Robert Gates (left) with Joint Chiefs of
Staff Chairman Adm. Michael Mullen

By Michelle Garcia

Defense secretary Robert Gates says he wants training for troops on the lifting of "don't ask, don't tell" to begin within the next few weeks, Stars and Stripes reports.

The Pentagon had not provided details to the public about how it would implement the training and implementation in relation to the repeal of the ban. However, on Thursday, Gates told reporters in a press conference the three-step plan was to finalize and clearly define the changes in the law; prepare training materials for chaplains, lawyers, commanders, and troops; and then train all military personnel.

Gates said implementing the first two tasks on the list could be accomplished within weeks, but the real challenge, he said, will be executing training for 2.2 million personnel.

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