WASHINGTON — The Pentagon has told military recruiters they must accept applications from openly gay individuals as part of the military’s obligation to comply with last week’s federal court ruling that deemed the current policy on homosexuals “unconstitutional.”

Pentagon Spokesman Cynthia Smith says the guidance sent out last Friday also tells recruiters to to remind applicants “a reversal in the court’s decision of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy may occur.” In other words, applicants who reveal their homosexuality will put themselves at risk for future dismissal.

The Justice Department is in the process of appealing the ruling issued by U.S. District Judge Virginia Phillips. Meanwhile, the Justice Department has also requested Judge Phillips put a hold on her ruling pending the outcome of that appeal. Phillips has indicated she will not comply.