WASHINGTON, D.C. – Outgoing Secretary of Defense Robert Gates is unlikely to certify the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” before leaving office this week, according to what a senior defense and military officer told the military newspaper Stars and Stripes.

Gates had said that he would like to be the one that finalized the repeal of the 18-year-old ban on openly gay troops if the service chiefs gave him their okay before he retires on June 30th.  Army leaders said assessments on the progress and impact of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” repeal training, underway since February, were due last Friday, leaving open a slim possibility that certification could come before Gates steps down.

Gay rights groups have for weeks been pushing for Gates to wrap up the process, concerned that his replacement, former CIA director Leon Panetta, might wait several more months before moving forward. Now, with Gates’ retirement just days away, that’s becoming less realistic.

Nearly all active-duty soldiers will have completed the training by July 15. The sessions inform service members about changes in law and policies post-repeal, as well as instruction about how troops should act around gay colleagues and reminders about existing rules regarding public displays of affection.

Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps officials said they expect to have more than 95 percent of their forces trained before the end of the month.
Once the Secretary of Defense certifies that the services are ready for the repeal, the law will come off the books after an additional 60-day waiting period.