Department of War Issues New UAP Disclosure Waiver; But Similar Protections Already Existed

The Department of War issued a legal waiver allowing military personnel, civilian employees, and contractors to disclose UAP-related National Defense Information (NDI) to designated representatives of the PURSUE effort. The waiver supersedes previous NDAs and Special Access Program Indoctrination Agreements, providing a legally protected mechanism for such disclosures. The waiver does not automatically declassify information or permit public release, but it allows information to be reviewed, evaluated, and potentially declassified. The announcement addresses concerns about legal liability and clearance issues, removing barriers to disclosure to PURSUE. However, it does not identify specific programs or individuals who raised concerns, nor does it confirm the existence of any undisclosed UAP program.

• The waiver applies specifically to disclosures made to PURSUE, not to the public or journalists.
• The Department did not identify the individuals who raised concerns or provide examples of withheld information.
• The waiver removes the risk of breach-of-agreement penalties for disclosures to PURSUE.

The government had already established an authorized mechanism for UAP-related information to be disclosed to AARO, dating back to legislation in 2023. AARO is authorized to receive UAP information regardless of classification and irrespective of nondisclosure agreements. The records obtained by The Black Vault show that AARO was attempting to interview David Grusch in 2023, and that Grusch was told he could disclose classified UAP information. The Department of Defense later released the complete wording of AARO’s "Verbal Legal Advisement," which provided detailed instructions on how to handle disclosures. The legal advice was not fully disclosed at the time, leaving questions about the exact intent of AARO.

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