Top Service Generals Challenge DADT Repeal

Top generals of the Army, Marines, and Air Force testified today that a quick repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell could cause “stress” and “disruption”—despite a Pentagon study that found a repeal posed little risk, the Hill reports. “Assimilating” openly gay troops could shake up the “tightly woven fabric of our combat units” and distract leaders, said Marine commandant Gen. James Amos.

Army boss Gen. George Casey said the risk associated with repeal would be moderate, but doing it now would “add another level of stress to any already stretched force.” He said it would be tougher for the Army than the study suggested. Gen. Norton Schwartz of the Air Force called fast repeal "risky" said it shouldn't happen until 2012 at the earliest. The testimony will provide ammunition to John McCain and other backers of DADT to delay a vote before the end of the year.
(More Don't Ask Don't Tell repeal stories.)