Nathaniel Frank, author of Unfriendly Fire and a senior research fellow at the Palm Center, says statements by Secretary of the Army John McHugh are indicative that the military is ready to repeal the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy. Said Frank in a press release: "What we're seeing is a tipping point in the opinions of both military and
civilian leaders on this issue. The Army is the largest of the services and the
most heavily involved in our wars abroad, and for Secretary McHugh to state
clearly that it can handle repeal sends a strong signal to the other service
secretaries that they can do the same."

Here's the excerpt from the Army Times:

"McHugh finds himself at the center of debate over Obama's pledge to repeal the law banning open service by homosexuals.

In the interview, McHugh carefully avoided offering his personal views on the issue, saying his job now is to provide input to Obama on how to make the change and to talk with members of Congress about the issue.

Selling the idea to Congress, which has the final say, could depend on exactly what the administration tries to do in terms of the timing of repeal and how it is applied, McHugh said.

It's possible, for example, that homosexuals could be allowed into some occupations or units but barred from others, McHugh said, stressing that he was not aware of any such plans but only discussing how the issue might play out. 'I don't want to prejudge the situation,' he said. 'I am saying if he did that, it would be my job to explain it when the appropriate time comes.'

When asked specifically if lifting the gay ban would seriously disrupt the military, as predicted by those who oppose repeal, McHugh said there is no reason to think major turmoil would ensue."