Gen. George W. Casey, Jr., the Army chief of staff, visited Denver on Thursday and reiterated his caution about an immediate repeal of the military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy.

Casey, the Army’s top uniformed officer, last week told the Senate Armed Services committee that he had “serious concerns” about overturning the 17-year policy. He said that he supported a yearlong study into the matter before any changes are made.

According to The Denver Post, the general echoed that sentiment in Denver, where he attended a fund-raising gala for the University of Denver, his alma mater.

“We’re going to have a debate on that,” Casey said before the gala, according to the Post. "And it needs to be an informed debate.”