Credited from: CBSNEWS
Following reports of unauthorized leaks concerning the U.S. military's weapons stockpiles, approximately 50 members of the Joint Staff underwent polygraph tests as part of a comprehensive investigation. The tests were conducted to determine if any officials disclosed classified information regarding diminished ammunition reserves, particularly amidst ongoing military operations involving Iran, according to CBS News, India Times, and Al Jazeera.
The polygraph tests were deemed highly unusual due to the large number of personnel involved, with several dozen officials, including those from U.S. Central Command, being tested over the summer. The questions posed during the examination focused on national security matters related to media leaks about crucial weapon shortages like long-range missiles and Patriot interceptors, as noted by multiple sources including CBS News and India Times.
In response to concerns over these leaks, President Trump expressed his frustrations, urging for rigorous measures against those responsible. He indicated that only a small group had access to sensitive information, raising fears about potential foreign intelligence involvement, as reported by CBS News and Al Jazeera.
The Pentagon has utilized polygraphs as part of routine security clearance recertification; however, the scale of this investigation marks an unprecedented move in the U.S. armed forces' approach to leaks. According to defense officials, this effort aims not only to identify the sources of current leaks but also to deter future unauthorized disclosures, which has created an atmosphere of distrust within the Pentagon, as highlighted by India Times and Al Jazeera.