Pentagon issues polygraph tests in hunt for leakers of munition shortages: Report

The Pentagon has reportedly subjected some high-ranking military officials and civilian employees to polygraph tests as part of an effort to identify suspected leaks to journalists, including disclosures about U.S. munitions stockpiles being depleted by the war with Iran.The reported crackdown comes after multiple news outlets published reports detailing how the conflict has strained U.S. supplies of critical munitions, including long-range missiles and Patriot air-defense interceptors. Investigators questioned military officers and civilian employees on the Joint Staff about whether they had disclosed classified information to members of the press and provided journalists with information about U.S. munitions stocks, according to reporting from CBS News and the New York Times. The polygraph examinations were conducted in August, around the same time when the reports of the depleted munitions stockpiles were coming out, according to the reports. Sources told CBS News that no one failed the questions related to the leaks. Semi-routine polygraph tests are not out of the ordinary. Some high-level security clearance holders in the U.S. government could be subject to polygraph testing every five to seven years, depending on the role and agency.Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell declined to comment on the polygraph testing and investigation but assured that the Pentagon was treating the matter with utmost seriousness. “The Department does not comment on internal personnel or investigative matters but takes all leaks of classified national security information extremely seriously and investigates accordingly,” the department told CBS News. “Securing classified information is critical to ensuring the security of the United States and of our troops deployed around the world.” ‘THAT’S THE JETSONS THAT’S COMING TO LIFE’: TRUMP OFFICIALS TOUT MULTIFRONT DRONE INITIATIVENot all senior military officials were subjected to the testing. Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was not among those polygraphed, according to the Times. The reported investigation follows an announcement by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in July that the Pentagon and Justice Department had established a joint task force to identify and prosecute people suspected of leaking sensitive government information to the press.