After years of court battles and contentious debate, the U.S. military on Tuesday formally ends its “Don't ask, Don't tell” policy, under which gays can serve as long as they do not openly acknowledge their sexual orientation.

The policy was instituted during the Clinton administration as a compromise to the complete ban on homosexuals in the military. President Barack Obama signed legislation in December to repeal the policy and allow homosexuals to openly serve.

During the nearly two decades the policy was in effect, about 14,000 members of the U.S. military were kicked out under the “Don't ask, Don't tell” policy.

The Pentagon already has begun accepting applications from gay and lesbian recruits. A spokesman says preparations for the end of the policy have been under way for some time.