The U.S. Navy has decided to stop releasing information about sailors’ service histories, a practice that has been in place for decades. This change is part of a broader effort to limit press access, driven by security concerns and harassment issues, under the guidance of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The new policy, announced by Rear Admiral John Robinson, restricts public access to details about commanding officers and now extends to all sailors. The Navy will only confirm if someone is a sailor if the request is deemed of high public interest, withholding other details unless the person is a public figure or under special circumstances. This move has raised concerns about transparency, especially in reporting on significant news events involving service members. First Amendment attorney Floyd Abrams criticized the policy as inconsistent with free speech rights, suggesting it aims to prevent negative press.
QUESTION: How might the restriction of information about service members impact public trust in the military and government transparency?
Navy withholding sailors’ service history, in another curb on press access
