fighting forces. that system has worked well enough as it should so therefore it should be left alone. there has been significant promises to be made to make sure that unit cohesion isn't damaged. that is the process of implementation process. suffice it to say, as even the brass has said, it's not a question of whether or not there are gays or lesbians in the military -- they are already there -- it's a question whether they can be open about it within the framework of the military experience. to do that they have to move cautiously because the type of change, if it's considered too radical too fast, there will be not just political fallout but personally life and limb fallout. it has to be monitored incredibly carefully and that is what they are going to do. >> mike, let me go back to you. you worked at the pentagon and