'Don't ask, don't tell' repeal effective Tuesday

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 (UPI) -- The military is prepared for repeal of its "don't ask, don't tell" policy slated to go into effect Tuesday, a senior U.S. Defense Department official said.

"This is something that has been known for a long time," Pentagon Press Secretary George Little told reporters Monday. "We've gone through a process to certify repeal."

The repeal means gay and lesbian military personnel may be open about their sexual orientation, the department said in a release.

Nearly all service members have taken the training associated with the law's repeal, Little said. Also, recruiters are accepting applications from people who are openly homosexual seeking to enlist in the military.

Other changes will occur once the repeal is effective, Little said.

"No one should be left with the impression that we are unprepared. We are prepared for repeal," Little said. "The force is well aware that this is coming. They've had the training. It's been in the press for months. The September 20th day is not a mystery."