Navy withholding sailors' service history, curbing press access

The U.S. Navy has implemented a significant policy shift, ceasing the release of any sailor's service history. This marks a departure from decades of freely provided information. Officials cite escalating security threats and harassment concerns as the driving forces behind this decision.

This move is occurring within a broader context of tightened press access, influenced by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and President Trump's contentious relationship with certain media outlets. Reporters now face stricter protocols, including mandatory escorts on Pentagon grounds.

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The Navy would still confirm whether someone is a sailor, but only if it deems the request "of high public interest," and no other details would be offered until the undefined threat has passed.

Rear Admiral John Robinson, the Navy's top spokesman, issued the policy last Thursday, initially targeting public information about commanding officers. However, Capt. Candice Thresh, a spokeswoman for the Chief of Naval Personnel, confirmed the policy's expansion to deny access to any sailor's service details, citing a need for equality. The Navy will confirm if an individual is a sailor only if the request is deemed "of high public interest," withholding further details until the perceived threat subsides.

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That effort at suppression of speech is flatly inconsistent with the First Amendment.

Information such as unit assignments and awards is crucial for contextualizing news events involving service members. Federal laws and Pentagon policies generally categorize this data as "normally releasable" and disclosable without infringing on personal privacy. However, the Navy now states these details will only be released if the sailor is a "public figure or extenuating circumstances exist," terms subject to the Navy's interpretation.

First Amendment attorney Floyd Abrams expressed concern, noting the policy could impede reporting on wounded or injured sailors. He characterized the move as a potential suppression of speech, inconsistent with the First Amendment, and an effort to limit information that might lead to scrutiny of public policy decisions regarding service members.

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There is no reason to think that this is anything less than an effort to prevent 'bad' press about the conduct of the administration with respect to our service people.