November 19, 2009
Posted: November 19th, 2009 03:17 PM ET

Washington (CNN) – Defense Secretary Robert Gates Thursday announced a 45-day review of military policies in response to the Fort Hood killings, telling reporters the November 5 massacre raised questions that "demand complete but prompt answers."

The review will examine whether Pentagon policies fall short in identifying service members who pose "credible threats to others," or in personnel screening programs and security and emergency response at U.S. bases.

Gates said the investigation won't ease the pain of the families of the 13 people killed, but said the Pentagon must do "everything in our power to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future."

"In all of these, I promise the Department of Defense's full and open disclosure," he said.

Filed under: Fort Hood • Pentagon • Robert Gates


George W Bush = Worst President Ever   November 19th, 2009 4:21 pm ET

I hope Gates' review does not interfere with Joe Lieberman's attempt at trying to benefit from this tragedy for his own political gain.

Sniffit   November 19th, 2009 4:15 pm ET

Next thing you know, the silly GOPers will say we should not allow Muslims in the military...oh wait, they already did...

Get Smart   November 19th, 2009 3:57 pm ET

A little late wouldn't you say. If our CIA and CID hasn't checked these suspicious people out then shame on them They like the President are getting paid to work. When are they and OBAMA going to start. Of course OBAMA is lining the elderly up for their final death list with his health care bill destroying Medicare..

Joe from Ohio   November 19th, 2009 3:53 pm ET

The era of political correctness has hit a new high or would it be better to say a new low. Until this PC culture is changed people in the armed services will not be safe.

This culture change is the responsibility of President Obama and AG Holder. As long as soldiers are scared of being sold down the river by these two they will keep their months shut. Who wants to have their career destroyed, demonized by the press, and then sued.

Until Obama and Holder change this PC culture in the government these nuts are going to run loose and people will be HURT!

Jim in Florida   November 19th, 2009 3:47 pm ET

This "review" will not have any findings that Obama doesn't want in the report, you can be assured of that.

Bluebonnet   November 19th, 2009 3:37 pm ET

Thank you, Mr. Gates. Its much, much more than our stalling POTUS!

southerncousin   November 19th, 2009 3:36 pm ET

Gosh, isn't way to soon to begin this (that is sarcasm for you liberals).

Terry from West Texas   November 19th, 2009 3:29 pm ET

This is going to be a difficult thing to prevent. Anybody in America who wants a gun can buy one – legally or otherwise – inexpensively. In Texas, 40% of the homes possess one or more guns. Most of them are kept unlocked an loaded. Hidden weapon carry permits are easy to get. You take a course which is much less taxing than defensive driver training.

Any time you are in a Walmart in Texas, there could well be a hundred loaded guns in that store in purses and in pockets. How are you going to stop some deranged lunatic from shooting up the store until the cops get there? There is no way.

I know that the crazy man who shot people at Ft. Hood has a history of erratic behavior, but so do a million other Texans. How can you decide in advance which crazy Texan to detain? Texas is like many states in its "guns for all" policies.

Just remember, the guy who cut you off on the freeway while honking his horn and throwing you the finger may well have a .357 magnum in his glove box.

Have a nice day.

Darrin Rooks   November 19th, 2009 3:28 pm ET

I am currently finishing infantry training at ft benning georgia. I was raised in texas 5 minutes away from ft hood. It saddens and angers me deeply that this tradgedy has struck in the heartland. My prayers goes out to those familes.

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