As some of you may know, I am a United States Navy veteran. This election cycle has been challenging for me in many respects, but one issue in particular has been gnawing at me. Our national security and the down play of the severity of the treatment of such information.
During my naval service, I worked on some security sensitive equipment. The electronics we worked with were security sensitive. We operated in areas of the globe where our location and movement were classified. We could not discuss specifics about where we were or where we were going next. The service conducted initial training and recurrent training for those of us that had security clearance. This training taught us that classified information did not leave our direct control at any time. We were not to discuss with our spouses specifics about where we were. Open phone lines were not used to discuss classified information. No devices other than approved government channels were allowed in the transmission of such information.
Even if two people had the same top secret clearance, they could not discuss information regarding their specific duties with one another. For example, if I had a friend in my same unit that worked with a different type of classified information, both he and I could not discuss information regarding our trades with each other. The military goes to great lengths to protect the information that they gather and information that is used to maintain systems and encrypt data.
It is of utmost importance for many reasons. If the enemy knows where we are, it is a deadly situation for our troops. If the enemy can hear us on our radios, they have an advantage. If they know that we know where they are and what they have for weapons, they move them. This degrades our abilities to monitor and defeat them.
It was made clear to us as low level troops that slip ups like this, whether intentional or unintentional, would result in a non-voluntary transfer to a Federal facility where we would break big rocks into little rocks until further notice.
The Secretary of State position deals with sensitive information on a daily basis. Whoever is in that position should be setting the example regarding the protection of such sensitive information. It was made clear to us as low level troops that slip ups like this, whether intentional or unintentional, would result in a non-voluntary transfer to a Federal facility where we would break big rocks into little rocks until further notice.
Even if no classified information was sent through Mrs. Clinton’s server there is gross negligence just in the act of doing it. The fact that every email could not be recovered and that the server was wiped clean is an admission of guilt to me. It makes me almost ill to think of how I would have been treated had I done this versus how Mrs. Clinton has been treated. There truly is a double standard for those that have power and those who have none. The only way I know to send a message that the little guy matters is at the ballot box.
I encourage you to prayerfully consider your vote. Neither candidate exhibits deep roots of faith, but the Supreme Court appointments will affect the future of our Country for future generations. Consider where the candidates stand and how they line up with your values. As a person who invested years of service to defend our country against enemies both foreign and domestic, I can not condone the careless treatment of information from people who definitely know better so I felt lead to speak my peace while I still have an opportunity.
Get out and Vote!
Well said my friend!! I couldn't agree more.
Aaron