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COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- After 17 years, the military policy towards gays and lesbians is changing.

'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' will officially be repealed when President Obama signs the legislation Wednesday, but there are many small details to be worked out and more impacts than simply allowing homosexual people to serve openly.

The repeal of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' won't be like flipping a light switch. It will likely be months before the new policy is completely implemented.

Tuesday outgoing Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi signed the repeal of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell.' The President is scheduled to sign the bill on Wednesday.

The head of the Gay and Lesbian Community Center in Colorado Springs is happy the government is finally doing something about the ban.

"It's exciting to see the U.S. Congress extend a hand of affirmation to the L.G.B.T. community and acknowledge that we have been serving for centuries and we will continue to do so," Gay and Lesbian Community Center Executive Director Eric Attard said.

But the repeal won't go into effect right away. The Pentagon must certify the change will not damage combat readiness, then there will be a 60 day waiting period. And until then, commanders are reminding service members not to out themselves or risk being kicked out of the service.

"It could take anywhere from three months to a year before we see a full change happen," Attard said.

Once in full effect though, it will open up a lot of options for gays in the military.

It's estimated 14,000 military members were kicked out under 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell.'

Some said a quarter of those may reenlist so they can earn their 20 years of service and the valuable retirement benefits.

"If somebody wants to reenlist I think it would be wonderful for them if they choose to do so," Attard said.

But it could take more than a law for openly gay men and women to gain acceptance in our nation's military.

"Historically speaking, when we desegregated the troops, when we allowed women to serve and go to training we experienced challenges," Attard said. "There were higher-ups who had a very easy time with it, higher-ups who didn't have an easy time with it."

We contacted local recruiters and officials at Fort Carson to talk to us about the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' repeal.

All declined comment.