UPDATED 17:24 PM EST, February 5, 2013
WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. officials say Defense Secretary Leon Panetta is poised to extend some benefits to the same-sex partners of military members.
The policy change would come about 16 months after the Pentagon repealed its ban on openly gay service.
Officials say Panetta has not made a final decision on which benefits will be included, but the Pentagon is likely to allow same-sex partners to have access to the on-base commissary and other military subsidized stores, as well as health and welfare programs.
