Gates' gag rule.

Those who wish to talk to the media will do so privately.  pl 

http://thehill.com/homenews/administration/107781-gates-defends-new-pentagon-media-rules

Comments

[Walrus]

Col. Lang, could you please enlighten us? I'm confused.

I understand that this means that an "On the record" briefing has to be approved.

However, does this mean that an "off the record" briefing when the Pentagon leaks something to the media also has to be approved?

So I understand we have on record approved briefings, off the record approved briefings, on the record unapproved briefings and off the record unapproved briefings.

But what happens when the Pentagon wants plausible deniability? Those would actually be approved, unapproved off the record briefings.

What happens when Gates himself wants to get an off the record unapproved briefing approved? Who does he go to for approval? President Obama?

What about Gen. Petreaus and the need to start off the record rumours for operational reasons?

Please help me.

[William R. Cumming]

The Gates memo looks to me like it is trying to prevent expressions of either personal opinion or official opinion or information from being given out without first being vetted. This is normal agency procedure in the Executive Branch. What usually happens is this does NOT happen. And compounding the problem the person giving out or divulging the information is hoping it will be considered official even when it is their personal opinion. That clarification is seldom made. When testifying before Congress it is assumed the Executive Branch witness is giving official views not personal opinion. The distinction again is often confused and not made clear.
Anyone who has dealt with the press or media should always assume it is an "On the record" interview as even the courts don't observe that distinction. And obviously no longer does the MSM. THERE IS NO OFF THE RECORD!
What is interesting is that recent guidance on classification and release of classified documents now prevent even the originator of the document to declassify it in a press briefing. Of course there is no prosecution of leaks normally because that prosecution would involve the Department of Justice. Selective enforcement is the real policy on releasing classified documents and punishing the same. The US does not have an official secrets act like Great Britain and that is one difference. My experience is that the egos and hubris of those briefing the press can often lead to issuance of offical but unapproved materials and briefing points.

[Patrick Lang]

walrus

As I understand the Gates directive, it allows people in the field to talk about their own job and nothing else. People in the Pentagon are allowed to talk about nothing without a "minder."

graywolf

Your disdainful use of the term "Arabist' reveals you as just another hasbara propagandist. you will not be posted again. pl

[ServingPatriot]

No more "free lancing" with reporters by the 4-star commanders? We will see.

@Walrus, don't worry, the Pentagon will still ply plenty of "stories" (also known as their version of truth and/or infowar operations) upon our so-called journalist class. And, as in the past, almost all of them will be sourced to "anonymous Pentagon (or military) officials." If you read of a true leak - an unsanctioned disclosure of information - coming from the military, it will most assuredly be in a foreign press since our U.S. media is so shot through with craven "access junkies" unwilling to jeopardize their livelihoods as official government stenographers.

SP

[Lord Curzon]

Sir,

Does this tie into General James Mattis' retirement is being put on hold ?

The good General certainly seems to have a sense of humour, lacking from others who wear stars : " I come in peace. I didn't bring artillery. But I'm pleading with you, with tears in my eyes: If you fuck with me, I'll kill you all." How refreshing to hear !