The news comes as a high-profile gay servicemember facing discharge has resumed taking part in drills with his military unit. Lt. Dan Choi had been away from his unit since publicly defying “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” last March. Choi says he took part in drills with his New York-based unit last weekend at the encouragement of his commander. In October, Choi spoke out at a massive rally for gay, lesbian and LGBT rights in Washington, DC.

Lt. Dan Choi: “Like so many others, I joined the military because my country beckoned me. 'Ask not what your country can do for you, but ask what you can do for your country.' But when we’re telling the truth about our love, our country slaps us in the face and orders us, 'Don’t ask,' and orders us, 'Don’t tell.' Well, I am telling you that the era and the time for asking is over. I am not asking anymore! I am telling! I am telling! I am telling! Will you tell with me?”

(Related coverage: Love Is Worth It: Iraq War Vet Facing Discharge Helps Lead Massive Rally for Gay Rights)