Pentagon says military ready for gay ban repeal

WASHINGTON -- The military says it is ready for the lifting Tuesday of a ban on gays serving openly, while supporters of repeal applaud the historic change as a victory for equal rights.

Pentagon press secretary George Little said Monday that the military is adequately prepared for the end of the current policy, commonly known as "don't ask, don't tell," under which gays can serve as long as they don't openly acknowledge their sexual orientation and commanders are not allowed to ask.

"No one should be left with the impression that we are unprepared. We are prepared for repeal," Little said.

Last week, the Pentagon said 97 percent of the military has undergone training in the new law. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, Joint Chiefs chairman Adm. Mike Mullen, and President Barack Obama have all certified that allowing openly gay service members will not undermine the effectiveness of the military or its recruiting.

Repeal took effect at 11:29 p.m. Monday Central Standard Time. For weeks the military services have been accepting applications from openly gay recruits, while waiting for repeal to take effect before processing the applications.

The Defense Department will publish revised regulations to reflect the new law that will allow gays to serve openly.

There a will be no immediate changes to eligibility standards for military benefits. All service members already are entitled to certain benefits and entitlements, such as designating a partner as one's life insurance beneficiary or as designated caregiver in the Wounded Warrior program.