Particle.news
Get it on Google Play
Download on the App Store
12 ARTICLES
·
16h ago

Pentagon Put Roughly 50 Joint Staff Members Through Polygraph Tests in Leak Probe

The large-scale screenings signal a stepped-up internal hunt for officials who shared classified details about U.S. munitions and could lead to criminal referrals.

ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA - JUNE 11: In an aerial view, the Pentagon is seen following a “hazardous materials incident" on June 11, 2026 in Arlington, Virginia. Multiple areas inside the Pentagon were reportedly put under a shelter in place order after building monitoring systems detected an air quality issue that was determined to be a false alarm. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 12: U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth testifies before the Senate Appropriations Committee on the FY2027 budget request in the Dirksen Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill on May 12, 2026 in Washington, DC. The Trump administration is asking for an unprecedented $1.5 trillion for the Pentagon, an increase of 50-percent over last year's budget. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
Image
Image

Overview

  • In August, military investigators administered polygraph exams to about 50 Joint Staff officers and civilian staff as part of an internal probe into leaks to reporters.
  • The testing followed media reports that disclosed sensitive information about depleted U.S. munitions stocks, including long-range missiles and Patriot interceptors.
  • People briefed to reporters said the military, not the FBI, conducted the polygraphs and that no one failed the leak-related questions, though names and outcomes were not publicly released.
  • The Pentagon has formed a joint task force with the Justice Department to identify and prosecute suspected leakers, and the Defense Department declined to comment on personnel or investigative matters.
  • Observers called the sweep unusual because the Joint Staff has roughly 1,500 to 2,000 personnel, and the move may affect morale, press relations, and how classified information is handled inside the department.