Petraeus Open to Changing Gays in Military Ban

The U.S. commander overseeing troops in Iraq and Afghanistan says he's not sure that troops in the field care about the sexual orientation of fellow service members.

Gen. David Petraeus said Sunday that he's served alongside gays and lesbians, and what matters are someone's skills and smarts.

"You say, 'how's his shooting,' or, 'how's her analysis?'" Petraeus told NBC's "Meet the Press."

Petraeus said he supports Defense Secretary Robert Gates' plan to study how the ban could be repealed. Advocates for a quick repeal have said the yearlong review is a stalling tactic. But Petraeus says it's a good idea to look at potential problems.

He wouldn't give his personal opinion on whether the ban should be lifted. He says he'll do so when he testifies to Congress in the spring.