Secretary of Defense James Mattis warned Department of Defense personnel not to leak classified information in a Tuesday memo obtained by Military Times.
“All hands must be alert to prevent unauthorized disclosure of non-public information for any reason, whether by implied acknowledgment or intentional release,” Mattis said. “Misconduct cannot be tolerated and suspected or confirmed disclosure must be reported at once.”
ICYMI: Mattis warns @DeptofDefense against leaks in new memo -by @TaraCopp in @MilitaryTimes (ht @JenJudson) https://t.co/1g8OpzRlR9 pic.twitter.com/36xDWvcBDm
— Christian Thiels (@ThielsChristian) October 6, 2017
The Pentagon is a “department at war” and reminded all DOD personnel of their oaths of office, Mattis underscored. “Divulging information in violation of these precepts places at risk troops in harm’s way, our intelligence operations, and our technological advantages over our foes,” he said.
Leaks of classified information have plagued President Donald Trump’s administration since the president took office in January. Intelligence leaks even endangered the U.S.-British relationship in May after images from the United Kingdom of the Manchester bombing crime scene appeared in The New York Times.
The leak prompted an investigation by the U.S. intelligence community and an official apology from Secretary of State Rex Tillerson saying “we take full responsibility for that and we regret that that happened.”
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