Metro Weekly

Marine Corps commandant on DADT repeal: concern about military readiness becoming “secondary to the discussion”

“That’s what they have been built to do under the current construct and I would argue that we’ve done a pretty good job bringing that to pass. … My concern would be that somehow that central purpose or focus were to become secondary to the discussion.”
— Marine Corps commandant Gen. James Conway testifying before the House Armed Services Committee that his concern with repealing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” is any possible effect it would have on what he deems military readiness and the “central focus” of protecting the country. However, Conway indicated he would not be an impediment to Defense Secretary Robert Gates’s plans to review and, presumably, repeal the ban on openly gay servicemembers. (Washington Post)

Support Metro Weekly’s Journalism

These are challenging times for news organizations. And yet it’s crucial we stay active and provide vital resources and information to both our local readers and the world. So won’t you please take a moment and consider supporting Metro Weekly with a membership? For as little as $5 a month, you can help ensure Metro Weekly magazine and MetroWeekly.com remain free, viable resources as we provide the best, most diverse, culturally-resonant LGBTQ coverage in both the D.C. region and around the world. Memberships come with exclusive perks and discounts, your own personal digital delivery of each week’s magazine (and an archive), access to our Member's Lounge when it launches this fall, and exclusive members-only items like Metro Weekly Membership Mugs and Tote Bags! Check out all our membership levels here and please join us today!