WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Leon Panetta is giving the Defense Department and the military services until Jan. 21 to review the backgrounds of all employees who have contact with children in department programs and to report back in writing.

Panetta’s memo follows revelations that at least 31 people were suspended from two Army day care centers at Fort Myer, Va., last week after officials scrutinized their backgrounds and found a range of criminal convictions.