CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq – On Thursday, April 7, members of Idaho’s 116th Cavalry Brigade stationed in Iraq got the chance to ask questions of Secretary of Defense Robert Gates. Gates touched on many topics, chief among those the current situation in Iraq.

“The difference that you and those like you have made in this country is evident around you every single day,” said Gates in a release provided by the military.

Gates said that because of the efforts of U.S. troops, the U.S. drawdown in Iraq is going according to plan. Gates said that any continued U.S. presence will have to come as a direct request of the Iraqi government.
 

Addressing unrest in the Middle East, Gates said that the situation in Iraq is becoming a model to countries like Libya.

 “In terms of the broader disputes and turmoil going on around the region, in a way it’s a measure of what you and the Iraqi Security Forces have already achieved,” he said. “Iraq is already where a lot of these other countries want to be. That is, having elections where anybody can run, having people from multiple sectarian groups running and then having a pretty good democratic government.”

Gates also touched on subjects ranging from the military experience, repeal of the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy and possible changes to Army policy, such as opening combat arms positions to women. 
 
“Frankly, the policy hasn’t caught up with the reality in some respects,” said Gates. “I’m confident that this is an area that is going to change. The timescale of the change, I have no idea.”

Gates said his big reason for visiting the troops was simply to show his appreciation.

“I just wanted to come and say thank you and tell you that working with you all has been the greatest privilege and the greatest honor of my life.”