The decision whether to repeal the Pentagon’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy must not be left to the courts, asserted Defense Secretary Robert Gates. In testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee Dec. 2, Gates called on the Senate to pass a bill overturning the ban on declared homosexuals serving in the military before year’s end. Gates said it is “only a matter of time” before federal courts again intervene over DADT, bringing the “very real possibility that this change would be imposed immediately by judicial fiat.” The Defense Secretary said that would be “by far the most disruptive and damaging scenario” imaginable for morale and combat readiness. Gates called potential repeal of the policy “a matter for the Congress to decide,” stating that any change should be made by the representatives elected by the American people, and should allow adequate time for “a well prepared and well considered implementation.” (Gates prepared remarks)
Amid NATO’s continued push to ramp up air defenses in Eastern Europe, Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall swung by seven allied countries to boost relations last week, including those on Russia’s and Ukraine’s doorstep.