Pentagon Review Identifies Issues In Notification Process For Defense Secretary

• Privacy restrictions and staff hesitancy delayed notification to senior leaders.

• Internal review conducted by Pentagon subordinates.

• No wrongdoing found in relation to secrecy surrounding Austin's hospitalization.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin speaks during a Pentagon press briefing at the Pentagon on Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024 in Washington. (AP Photo/Kevin Wolf)

AP

An internal review conducted by the Pentagon has identified privacy restrictions and staff hesitancy as key factors contributing to the delayed notification of President and other senior leaders about Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's hospitalization last month. The review, carried out by Austin's subordinates, has largely cleared individuals of any wrongdoing in relation to the secrecy surrounding Austin's hospitalization due to complications following prostate cancer surgery.

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Internal review conducted by Pentagon subordinates.

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Privacy restrictions and staff hesitancy delayed notification to senior leaders.

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No wrongdoing found in relation to secrecy surrounding Austin's hospitalization.

The report emphasizes the need for improved procedures and better information sharing when the Defense Secretary delegates decision-making authority to his deputy. This comes as Austin is set to testify this week on Capitol Hill.