Army to Oppose Immediate Suspension of Gay Firings

The Army's top leaders say they would oppose any legislation to force the Army to temporarily cease dismissals under its "don't ask, don't tell" policy against gays in the military while a broader Pentagon assessment is being done.

Army Chief of Staff Gen. George Casey told a Senate panel Tuesday that an immediate moratorium on firings, as some lawmakers and gay rights' groups want, would "complicate the whole process." He said he has "serious concerns" about the impact of overturning the law and wants to ensure a repeal won't affect the force's ability to fight.

Army Secretary John McHugh, a former congressional Republican, agreed. He said his preference would be to wait until the Pentagon has a chance to finish its review.