The Pentagon has subjected around 50 members of the US military’s Joint Staff to polygraph tests as part of an investigation into classified information leaks.
The investigation followed media reports about declining stocks of key US weapons and ammunition during the war with Iran. Officials questioned military personnel about whether they had provided sensitive information to journalists.
The tests reportedly took place in August as the Pentagon expanded its search for the source of the leaks.
Investigation Targets Weapons Reports
The probe focuses partly on reports about shortages of important US weapons.
These include long-range missiles and Patriot air-defense interceptors, according to reports citing officials familiar with the investigation.
The disclosures raised concerns within the Pentagon because information about weapons inventories can reveal sensitive details about US military readiness.
Rare Scale of Polygraph Testing
The Joint Staff has around 2,000 military officers and civilian employees.
The decision to subject about 50 personnel to polygraph examinations has attracted attention because of the unusual scale of the investigation.
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Several dozen other senior military officials, including personnel from US Central Command and other combatant commands, have also undergone testing, according to US media reports.
The investigation is therefore broader than a routine inquiry into an individual leak.
Tensions Inside the Pentagon
The leak investigation comes amid growing tensions inside the Pentagon.
Reports have described an atmosphere of distrust as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has tightened control over information and military decision-making.
The Pentagon, however, has defended its efforts to protect classified information.
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell has stressed that safeguarding sensitive information is essential to protecting US national security and military personnel.
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Pentagon Seeks Source of Leaks
The investigation reflects growing concern within the US Defense Department over unauthorized disclosures.
US officials want to determine who provided classified or sensitive information to the media. They also want to prevent further leaks about military operations and weapons stocks.
The Pentagon has not publicly identified anyone accused of leaking the information.
The investigation remains ongoing.
