we have an all ballinger force. it is better trained, more effective, and more professional than any military in our history, and today that force is shouldering a greater global burden and at any time in decades. we owe our lives to our fighting men and women and we should be exceedingly cautious, humble and sympathetic when attempting to regulate their affairs. don't ask, don't tell has been an imperfect but effective policy. and at this moment, when we are asking more of our military men at any time been in recent memory, we should not repeal this law. thank you, mr. chairman. >> secretary gates? >> mr. chairman, last week during the state of the union address, the president announced he will work with congress this year to repeal the law known as don't ask, don't tell. he subsequently directed the department of defense to begin the preparations necessary for a repeal of the current law and policy. i fully support the president's decision. the question before us is not whether the military prepares to make this c