US military accepts ‘openly gay recruits’ for first time

The US military said it is accepting openly gay recruits for the first time in the country’s history, after a judge upheld an order ending a controversial ban on homosexual troops.

However, the Pentagon warned that the so-called “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” rule could be reinstated, depending on the outcome of pending court decisions.

“Recruiters have been given guidance, and they will process applications for applicants who admit they are openly gay or lesbian,” spokeswoman Cynthia Smith said, adding that recruiters have been instructed to remind applicants that the court’s decision could be reversed.