Perspective on “Leaks” and Navy Leadership
@cdrsalamander @jimgolby
Many are concerned that Captain Brett Crozier, despite meaning well with actions to safeguard the health and welfare of his Sailors, went about it the wrong way, ostensibly because his four-page memorandum... /1

made its way to the San Francisco Chronicle where it was published.

While more facts are forthcoming, my own experience (see attached article) demonstrates how you can do everything right and STILL see private information spread widely... /2@ForeignPolicy https://foreignpolicy.com/2014/03/26/admiral-we-need-to-talk-officers-white-paper-on-jos-jumping-ship-warns-navys-leadership-of-heavy-personnel-seas-ahead/

around an organization and the public domain without your consent.

In a nutshell: Back in 2014, I spent a month of off-duty time researching and writing about factors impacting U.S. Navy officer retention. /3

When complete, I emailed two people: an admiral and a friend working at the U.S. Navy’s human resources command. Because the writing suited official needs, my friend asked if he could share it with his boss, a Navy Captain. I said yes. /4

Three days later, the white paper had been read by thousands.

The Captain had emailed the paper to two admirals. An executive assistant for the admiral in Virginia then emailed to his friends around the Navy, where it spread like wildfire. /5

And, according to several senior Navy leaders I spoke with after the fact, had my white paper not ‘leaked’ publicly, the Navy would never have addresses many of the systemic issues the paper raised. It was only the semi-public furor and discussion that forced positive change. /6

Today, long-serving defense reporters are citing sources that ASecNav Modley was actually directed by President Trump to fire Crozier. If true, would be tragic, as Modley claimed publicly that was not the case when announcing the firing to Pentagon press corps. /7

So let’s see where the investigation takes us. My gut says Captain Crozier did the right thing. Others didn’t... and he paid the price. /8