Pentagon: No timeline yet on ending gay ban

Defense officials had to first review and revise policies and make other preparations to reflect the change adopted Saturday by the Senate, Pentagon press secretary Geoff Morrell told reporters.

"I don't think anybody has any idea yet how long this will take," Morrell said.

When President Barack Obama signs the measure into law within days, he will launch a White House and Pentagon certification process that could take months.

Once Obama, Defense Secretary Robert Gates and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Michael Mullen, certify that lifting the ban can be done without harming military readiness, effectiveness, unit cohesion, and recruitment, the change will enter into force within 60 days.

In the meantime, the 1993 "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" rule, which requires gays to keep quiet about their sexual orientation or face discharge, remains in effect, officials said.

Some gay rights groups have urged the administration to impose a moratorium on any further discharges under the law, but the Pentagon said it had no plans to adopt a freeze.

"Until 60 days after certification, 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' remains in effect," Pentagon spokesman Colonel Dave Lapan said.