Jack Teixeira Investigation: Air Force Disciplines 15 Officers

Image copyright: Scott Eisen / Stringer [via Getty Images]

The Facts

  • The Air Force has disciplined 15 members of the Air National Guard for failing to prevent Airman Jack Teixeira from allegedly leaking military secrets online.

  • In a report delivered to Congress on Monday, the Air Force said that though there was no evidence that Teixeira's superiors were aware of the leaks, they had "failed to take proper action after becoming aware of his intelligence-seeking activities."


The Spin

Narrative A

Along with Teixeira, his unit is an obvious threat to US National Security. Had his superiors come forward about his strange and unauthorized behavior and alerted the authorities, the breach could have been reduced in length and depth. The Air Force has rightly punished its high-ranking officials, who, if they can disregard Teixeira's questionable activities, would show the same culture of complacency and breed more traitorous leakers in the future.

Narrative B

Instead of blaming his seniors, the Air Force should have investigated how Teixeira managed to get security clearance in the first place. Considering his shady history of incendiary remarks in his youth that prevented him from being granted a gun permit, he should never have been allowed to join an intelligence unit. What's the point of conducting background checks on service members if their units are unaware of the outcome? Had his superiors been properly briefed, they would have supervised Teixeira more closely.

Narrative C

Never mind Teixeira, the focus should be on the vital information he released, which shows how the Biden administration is making America and its allies weaker and keeping the US in indefinite "forever wars." This is another case of elites solidifying power by forcing average citizens to remain forever fearful of external enemies.


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