SANTA BARBARA, CA,  – Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff John Shalikashvili has responded to a last-ditch effort by the Chiefs of the Army, Air Force, Navy and Marines to block a legislative compromise that would likely lead to the repeal of “don’t ask, don’t tell.”  After the Chiefs sent letters to Congress today objecting to the compromise legislation, General Shalikashvili sent his own letter to the Hill.

According to General Shalikashvili, “it is not only preferable, but essential that [the law] be repealed in order for the Service Chiefs to retain the very authority they require to do their jobs effectively.”  A copy of his letter can be seen here.