Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell says that the Defense Department is close to changing how it enforces its policy on "don't ask, don't tell," which bans gays from serving openly.

In February, Defense Secretary Robert Gates directed his legal counsel to suggest ways to relax enforcement of the policy, which is based on a 1993 law. Of particular interest is minimizing cases of "third-party outings," where a service member is kicked out after being reported by others to be gay.

Morrell said Gates is likely to announce a "way ahead" on the matter by the end of the week.