According to a Saturday, July 23, 2011, Christian Science Monitor (CSM) article, “On Friday [July 22], President Obama formally certified that the US military is ready to accept those in uniform regardless of sexual orientation. The day before, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen both signed off on the certification as well.”
Under the law, the DADT repeal becomes final 60 days after certification that the military is ready for the transition. According to a December 18, 2010, article on the Huffington Post website, “The Senate voted 65-31 on Saturday [December 18, 2010] to end Don't Ask, Don't Tell, defeating a 17-year policy of banning gay and lesbian service members from serving openly in the military.”
As the countdown continues, the Christian Science Monitor goes on to state: “‘It remains the policy of the Department of Defense that sexual orientation is a personal and private matter,’ said Clifford Stanley, undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness and a retired Marine Corps major general. ‘There will be zero tolerance for harassment, violence, or discrimination of any kind.’”
