Military to examine 'don't ask' policy

WASHINGTON, Feb. 1 (UPI) -- Adm. Mike Mullen said he will talk with a Senate panel about how the repeal of the U.S. military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy on gays might be implemented.

The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff was to take up the issue behind closed doors Monday with other members of the president's top military advisory group, two U.S. military officials told CNN. Mullen and Defense Secretary Robert Gates are then to appear before the Senate Armed Services Committee Tuesday.

President Barack Obama called on Congress in his State of the Union speech to end the policy on gay and lesbian service members.

"This year, I will work with Congress and our military to finally repeal the law that denies gay Americans the right to serve the country they love because of who they are," Obama said.

In effect since 1993, the policy bans military authorities from asking about sexual orientation, but also prohibits service personnel from revealing they are gay.

Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz. -- a former Navy pilot -- says the repeal "would be a mistake," CNN reported.

"This successful policy has been in effect for over 15 years, and it is well understood and predominantly supported by our military at all levels," McCain said.