The Coalition for Military Excellence (CME), a national organization dedicated to advocating for veterans and military excellence in the U.S. armed forces, issued the following statement regarding reports that Sen. Mark Kelly disclosed sensitive information discussed during classified Pentagon briefings on U.S. weapons stockpiles:
“Sen. Mark Kelly’s comments raise legitimate concerns about whether the boundaries between public political discourse and protected national security information were appropriately respected. Any potential breach of classified briefing protocols should be thoroughly and impartially reviewed through the proper channels to ensure accountability and maintain trust in our national security institutions.
“Members of Congress entrusted with access to classified military briefings carry a serious responsibility to safeguard sensitive information that could undermine America’s strategic position and military readiness. Publicly discussing operational vulnerabilities and depleted weapons stockpiles during an ongoing conflict risks emboldening adversaries and weakening confidence in America’s deterrence capabilities.
“CME believes protecting military readiness is not a partisan issue. Safeguarding intelligence, preserving strategic ambiguity, and ensuring responsible stewardship of sensitive information are fundamental obligations for anyone entrusted with oversight of America’s armed forces.
“Our servicemembers operate in dangerous environments every day to defend this nation. They deserve leaders in Washington who exercise discipline, judgment, and discretion when discussing matters that could impact mission success, operational planning, or America’s ability to respond to future conflicts,” said Amber Smith, CME Military Advisor.
