#defense-department

#defense-department

The IT servicing model - where the digital escorts serve as a go-between connecting foreign engineers' tech fixes to the systems that need patching - could open some of the most sensitive U.S. national security and military secrets to China, according to the report.

"Your weekly emails have served as a reminder of the depth and breadth of the Department's mission, and of how it takes a workforce of many talents to achieve our national security mission."

"While the Department remains committed to transparency, the Department is equally obligated to protect CSNI (classified intelligence) and sensitive information the unauthorized disclosure of which could put the lives of US Service members in danger."

The Pentagon Inspector General's inquiry into Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth now includes an investigation into a second chat and the unauthorized transfer of classified information.