Petraeus endorses ‘Don’t Ask’ review, says he’s served alongside gays

The top military commander overseeing U.S. operations in Iraq and Afghanistan on Sunday came out in favor of the Pentagon’s review of implementing repeal for “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and said he’s served alongside gay service members in his career.

Gen. David Petraeus, commander of U.S. Central Command, expressed support for the working group on “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” during an interview on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” but stopped short of saying his personal position on repealing the ban on open service.

Petraeus said the review “is very important to this overall process” and “will provide a rigorous analysis of the views of the force on the possible change.”

When host David Gregory pressed Petraeus on the issue, Petraeus said he was unsure whether troops care if their comrades are gay and added he’s worked alongside gays in his military career.

“I served, in fact, in combat with individuals who were gay and who were lesbian in combat situations and, frankly, you know, over time you said, ‘Hey, how’s, how’s this guy’s shooting?’” he said. ”Or ‘How is her analysis?’ — or what have you.”

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