The Pentagon officially extended some military benefits to same-sex partners Monday, but said provisions like medical coverage would not be offered to gay troops' spouses due to legal barriers. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, who is due to retire this month, said the decision stemmed from the repeal 17 months ago of a ban on openly gay recruits serving in the military. "It is a matter of fundamental equity that we provide similar benefits to all of those men and women in uniform who serve their country," Panetta said in a statement.