US Military Personnel Undergo Polygraph Tests in Leak Probe

Approximately 50 members of the United States military’s Joint Staff were subjected to polygraph tests in August as investigators intensified their probe into leaks of classified information to journalists, according to a report by the New York Post. The investigation focuses on military officers and civilian employees suspected of disclosing sensitive information, including details about US weapons stocks depleted by the war with Iran.

The Joint Staff, which consists of between 1,500 and 2,000 personnel, coordinates military operations, policy, and war plans with US combatant commanders globally. The scale of the polygraph testing is described as unusual and unprecedented among senior US military personnel.

Retired Rear Admiral Donald J. Guter stated he had never seen polygraphs employed so broadly or at such a senior level.

Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell confirmed the department investigates leaks involving classified national security information but did not comment on the specific investigation. The leak probe arises amid rising tensions within the Pentagon over media reports regarding the US military’s performance in the Iran war and weapon stock depletion.