#defense-department

#defense-department

The memo arrived around the same time the Defense Department rolled out new media guidelines that require reporters to sign a pledge not to gather any information that hasn't been officially authorized for release, or risk losing their press credentials. Zoom in: The Sept. 15 memo to senior Pentagon leadership, combatant commanders and other national-security leaders lays out what is and what isn't subject to an "enhanced framework for participating in external engagements."

The IT servicing model - where the digital escorts serve as a go-between connecting foreign engineers' tech fixes to the systems that need patching - could open some of the most sensitive U.S. national security and military secrets to China, according to the report.

"Your weekly emails have served as a reminder of the depth and breadth of the Department's mission, and of how it takes a workforce of many talents to achieve our national security mission."

"While the Department remains committed to transparency, the Department is equally obligated to protect CSNI (classified intelligence) and sensitive information the unauthorized disclosure of which could put the lives of US Service members in danger."

The Pentagon Inspector General's inquiry into Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth now includes an investigation into a second chat and the unauthorized transfer of classified information.