Until last week, "don't ask, don't tell" had prevented gays from openly serving in the military. (Creative Commons)

This is the first time that gays and lesbians will be able to serve in the military without shrouding their sexual orientation. Military officials will still not be able to directly ask a recruit or regular servicemembers about their sexual orientation.

The gigantic caveat in the new directive is that recruiters have also been told to admonish recruits who say they are gay that they could be later discharged if the order ruling don't ask, don't tell as unconstitutional is overturned.

The Justice Department is appealing the ruling on behalf of the Pentagon and is likely to ask an appeals court to stay the decision banning don't ask, don't tell.

Reach executive producer Paresh Dave here. Follow him on Twitter: @peard33.