Despite some prior insinuations to the contrary, it appears Marine General James Amos holds much the same view as General James Conway, outgoing Marine Commandant, when it comes to the policy known as “Don’t ask, don’t tell.”

In testimony at his confirmation hearing at the Senate Armed Services Committee, Amos reportedly said DADT repeal is a “distraction” to the ongoing wars, and he personally opposes the repeal.  In his written answers to advance questions, he reportedly said

In my personal view the current law and associated policy have supported the unique requirements of the Marine Corps and thus I do not recommend its repeal.

During his testimony he also gave a hint to the outcome of internal surveys:

Under questioning by Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., [Amos] acknowledged that internal surveys revealed a predominantly negative view of a repeal.

Senator McCain also criticized the DoD response as a whole, noting the DoD Working Group is studying how, not whether, to repeal DADT, something McCain called “an incredible act of disingenuous behavior on [Secretary Gates’ and others’] part.”

Interestingly, while Amos repeated the standard line that the military would obey the orders imposed on it by its civilian leadership, he amplified that by speculating on treatment of those who opposed DADT within the military:

During one exchange with Sen. Pete Sessions, R-Ala., Amos said he would “stand to” and implement any changes in the law on gay service made by Congress. He said the Marine Corps would rely on discipline and leadership to ensure order, but that he didn’t envision a gag order on troops who disagreed with revoking the ban. (emphasis added)

Amos even implied a “right” to complain:

[Amos] noted, however, that “one of the rights of passage of being a young enlisted Marine is being able to grouse…If we step away from don’t ask, don’t tell, there are a lot of things that the average Marine won’t agree with.”

Also see the official DoD release.