Sorry if this is a repeat, tried to find any posts about this but couldn't find any.

Saw in recent coverage of Sec Gates budget press releases that the JCS and some other OSD folks had to sign non-disclosure agreements. Article:

http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/02/...ref=rss_latest

Guess I missed this covereage before...

Has anyone seen any feedback from the JCS folks on these NDAs? Anyone know if they cover testimony/answering questions for Congress?

It seems like while on the one hand this is a good thing (keeps DOD going in the same direction, somewhat reduces the politics involved), on the other hand it seems like it stifles the debate and doesn't allow the chiefs to fulfill their role to provide military advice.

What's the right balance between informing the public, Congress, and keeping the internal debate within DOD/the Administration?

The conflict between Congressional oversight and the ability to set policy is a tough one to resolve it seems.

-C