Pentagon leak hunt uses lie detectors, reports say

The Pentagon is using lie-detector tests in an investigation into leaks about US munitions stockpiles, The New York Times and CBS News reported.

The New York Times reported late Friday that about 50 members of the military's Joint Staff were being required to take polygraph tests as investigators examine how classified stockpile information reached journalists. CBS News also reported wide-scale use of lie detectors and said Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman General Dan Caine had not been tested. Both outlets cited unnamed officials.

Pentagon chief spokesman Sean Parnell declined to comment on “internal personnel or investigative matters” when asked by AFP about the reports. He said the Pentagon “takes all leaks of classified national security information extremely seriously and investigates accordingly”.

In July, reports said the United States was rationing munitions, particularly missile interceptors, because of supply concerns after several months of fighting with Iran. Administration officials denied those reports. President Donald Trump said the United States had “a lot of ammunition” while adding that “for some of the more sophisticated stuff, we'd certainly like to have more”.

Lie-detector testing is routine for some background screenings and security clearance renewals for government staff with access to highly sensitive secrets. The New York Times and CBS reported that using polygraphs on this scale in a leak investigation was rare, if not unprecedented, citing analysts and unnamed officials.