While Pentagon officials insist that the repeal of “don’t ask, don’t tell” is going well, senior defense officials are having to address concerns among both opponents and supporters of the policy.

Some U.S. troops worry that allowing openly gay troops to serve will put them and their morals on the defensive. While in Afghanistan this week, Gates got this question from a Marine: Will there be an option to leave the military “for those Marines that no longer wish to serve due to the fact that their moral values have not changed?”

Gates' reply? No.

Repeal supporters also have some questions, such as whether Gates will certify that the military is ready to enact the repeal before he leaves office next month. If he doesn’t, they are concerned about delays.

For now investigations into servicemembers who are suspected of being gay continue.

Read The Christian Science Monitor's story about the concerns over the repeal of the "don't ask, don't tell" policy.

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