Pentagon gave polygraph tests to high-ranking officials to find leakers: Reports

The Pentagon initiated a comprehensive investigation into classified information leaks by subjecting numerous senior defense officials to polygraph examinations. The testing campaign, conducted in August, reflected the military's concern over unauthorized media disclosures concerning the status of weapons inventories amid tensions in the region.

The scope of the investigation was substantial, with roughly 50 members of the Joint Staff facing polygraph tests alongside other military and civilian personnel. This cross-section of the defense establishment suggested that investigators cast a wide net in attempting to identify the source or sources of the leaks.

The targeted information involved weapons stockpile levels—operationally sensitive data that could impact strategic decision-making and military readiness assessments. The Pentagon's decision to employ polygraph testing indicated that traditional investigative methods had not successfully pinpointed the leakers, prompting the more formal examination process.

Such investigations into media leaks have become increasingly common within the national security apparatus, reflecting the challenge of managing classified information within large bureaucratic organizations. The testing of high-ranking officials demonstrated that the investigation did not exclude senior leadership from suspicion, emphasizing the Pentagon's commitment to identifying and preventing future unauthorized disclosures.