In an unprecedented move aimed at tightening security and preventing leaks, the Pentagon has proposed a set of stringent measures that could significantly alter the landscape of information control within the United States' Department of War. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth is spearheading the initiative, which comes amidst a significant leak from inside the Pentagon and a simultaneous effort to clamp down on whistleblowers.
The proposed policy, as revealed by internal documents obtained by the Washington Post, would require senior military leaders, civilian staff, and contractors to undergo random polygraph examinations and sign new nondisclosure agreements (NDAs). The disclosure has exposed the sweeping nature of these measures, which could affect top generals and thousands of employees within the Department of War. The draft memo, penned by Deputy Defense Secretary Steve Feinberg, outlines the terms of the NDAs, emphasizing that any unauthorized release of "non-public information" would constitute a violation of the agreement.
The new policy would mark a stark departure from previous administrations, which did not implement routine lie detector testing for Pentagon staff. According to the documents, there would be no limit on who could be selected for testing, meaning that anyone from generals to aides could be asked to take a lie detector test at any time. This broad scope has led to concerns about the potential impact on the morale and trust within the department.
The proposal comes at a time when Hegseth has been vocal about imposing greater discipline after his department has been plagued by repeated leaks and internal disputes. During a meeting at Quantico on Tuesday morning, Hegseth unveiled his "America First" approach to a crowd of generals and admirals from across the country. His broader vision includes overhauling the Inspector General’s office and the Pentagon’s equal employment opportunity office, which he claims have been "weaponized" through anonymous and repeated complaints.
The proposed NDA and polygraph requirements have stirred controversy within the Pentagon and across Washington. A source close to Hegseth defended the new rules, stating that they are intended only to reinforce expectations that sensitive information must be handled appropriately. Deputy Secretary Feinberg echoed this sentiment in his memo, highlighting the importance of protecting sensitive information for national security and the safety of warfighters.
Despite the rationale provided by Hegseth and his team, the measures have not yet been finalized or approved. The leak of their existence, characterized as "dystopian" by the Daily Mail, has already sparked debate and concern. Patrick Weaver, one of Hegseth’s advisers, earlier this year raised the possibility that his team could be compelled to take lie detector tests due to a leak hunt, highlighting the level of scrutiny being applied within the department.
The debate over the proposed security measures is likely to continue as the Pentagon seeks to balance the need for information security with the rights and morale of its personnel. As the story develops, further details and reactions from both inside and outside the Pentagon are expected to emerge.
