the Republicants caved in because actual soldiers and the higher ranks spoke up and said "who gives a shit"... it's not about sending the gays to get killed... like they're gonna put them on the front line or something.. like a fat white man is grinning saying "Send John Doe in first.. he's gay"
given Gays can freely serve in this country's military doesn't mean that they're gonna all come out the closet and form a parade.. then be discriminated against..
spreading of equality in the armed forces of this fair nation is what's important...
The positive aspect of it, if there is one, is that once gays are afforded these kinds of rights in the military, it usually means that other civil rights are not far behind.
But yeah, I have to say that I believe it was easier for Republicans to get behind this than, say, gay marriage, because of the reasons I stated previously.