tell policy. meaning gays will now be able to serve openly for the first time ever in the u.s. military. the gay rights groups are warning members of the military to stay in the closet for now. >> our advice today is, it's still not safe to come out. unfortunately, this law is still on the books. hopefully it will go away in a few months. >> reporter: that's because the president's signature will not lift the restrictions. first, the pentagon will have to certify that ending don't ask, don't tell won't adversely affect the military. and then there is a 60-day waiting period. many view the repeal as this generation's civil rights breakthrough, comparing it to the integration of the military back in 1948. and as with that change, some, including margaret witt, a major discharged after 18 years of service when the air force