SECDEF warns DOD against leaks

WASHINGTON – Defense Secretary Jim Mattis issued a new warning in an Oct. 3 internal memo to all U.S. military and Defense Department civilians against leaking information, and directed personnel to report suspected leaks. Mattis reminded DOD personnel that “it is a violation of our oath to divulge, in any fashion, non-public DOD information, classified or unclassified, to anyone without the required security clearance as well as a specific need to know in the performance of their duties.” He also reinforced obligations to report leaks. Transparency advocates freaked out at the memo. Non-public, but unclassified DOD information can include internal memos, trip itineraries or administrative guidance the Pentagon decides it does not want in the public record, even if the information is not sensitive enough to classify (i.e. “for official use only”). “No single incident triggered this,” said DOD spokesman, Army Maj. Audricia M. Harris. (Source: Defense News 10/05/17) Mississippi Note: There are a number of military installations, active duty personnel (9500-plus) and DOD civilians (2300-plus) serving across the Magnolia State, including at NAS Meridian, Columbus and Keesler AFBs, Naval Construction Battalion Center, and Stennis Space Center.