Just a quick uncategorized summary of the review, I found a process that could be improved“Nothing examined during this investigation indicated any malicious intent or attempt to cover up” the transfer of authority during Austin’s hospitalization, the document said.
The remaining reviews were conducted by Department of Defense (DOD) officials. It remains classified.
3 page overview Claims Austin had limited resources It failed to share information in several “significant ways,” including under medical privacy laws. Staff were found to be “hesitant to pry or share information they actually know” for privacy reasons.
The report also notes that as Austin’s medical situation remains in flux, “We could not guarantee timely and secure communications.”
Austin was admitted to the hospital on January 1st and stayed for two weeks to be treated for an infection caused by surgery to treat prostate cancer in December.But Austin did it. Don’t tell the White House or its deputy Kathleen Hicks. Although he handed over his duties as Secretary of Defense to her on January 2nd, he did not know about the situation until January 4th.
Meanwhile, Congress and the public did not learn that Austin had been hospitalized until January 5th. It has attracted harsh criticism from lawmakers and the media.
“However, as we later found out, the process by which decisions are made to transfer the Secretary’s powers could and should be improved… Nothing has been considered in this review.” Shows signs of malicious intent or obfuscation attempts” says the review.
After reviewing the report, Austin directed that its recommendations be implemented, according to a memo released with the unclassified summary. Among the recommendations: Better information sharing and new guidance This would ensure that the Acting Director-General is ready to step into the role quickly if a transfer of authority is necessary.
The Secretary of Defense is scheduled to testify on Thursday He spoke to the House Armed Services Committee about what happened before and after his hospitalization.
Read the full report at TheHill.com.
