WASHINGTON — The four-star Army general who is managing the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan says “the time has come” for the military to rethink its policy toward gays.

Gen. David Petraeus stopped short of saying whether he personally believed if the military’s policy of “don’t ask, don’t tell” is outdated or unfair.

Instead, Petraeus told a Senate panel Tuesday that he wants to see the results of an internal study ordered by Defense Secretary Robert Gates before any changes are made. He said he wants to know if allowing gays to serve openly might hurt recruiting and retention, or the military’s ability to fight.

Gen. David Petraeus Photo by The Associated Press

Pablo Martinez Monsivais