1. United States
2. Tenn.
3. Letter

I strongly support the Pentagon watchdog's decision to probe the Defense Secretary's use of Signal for communicating military strike plans against Houthi militants in Yemen. Utilizing a publicly available encrypted messaging app like Signal to discuss sensitive operational details raises significant concerns about potential security breaches and compromises of classified information. This investigation is crucial to assess compliance with Department of Defense policies and record-keeping requirements. The fact that specific timing and weapons details related to the Yemen airstrikes were inadvertently shared with a journalist via Signal screenshots mere hours before the attacks underscores the risks involved. While the administration downplayed the incident, an independent review is warranted to maintain the integrity of military communications and safeguard operational security protocols. Ensuring proper handling of classified data and adherence to established procedures is paramount for protecting national security interests and maintaining public trust in the armed forces' conduct. I urge a thorough and impartial assessment to determine if any violations occurred and to implement necessary measures to prevent similar lapses in the future. Responsible stewardship of sensitive information must be a top priority for all defense officials.