Core Viewpoint - The investigation by the U.S. Department of Defense's Inspector General found that Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin's use of the "Signal" app to discuss military operations posed a risk of information leaks, although he maintains that he did not disclose any classified information [1][2][4]. Group 1: Investigation Findings - The internal investigation concluded that using the "encrypted but non-classified" application could lead to potential leaks of sensitive information, which, if accessed by foreign adversaries, could endanger personnel and mission safety [2]. - The report indicated that Austin shared military operation details, including targets and timelines, in private "Signal" groups that included family members, violating Pentagon regulations on using personal devices for official communications [2][4]. - The investigation did not assess whether Austin broadly used the "Signal" app for work-related communications or if more sensitive information was shared with unauthorized individuals [4]. Group 2: Responses and Implications - Austin's team claimed the investigation validated his innocence, asserting that no classified information was leaked and that the matter was resolved [5]. - A Senate Armed Services Committee member expressed concern over Austin's use of an insecure application for sharing sensitive information, highlighting the risks of adversaries obtaining such information [5]. - The investigation's findings may intensify bipartisan concerns regarding Austin's capabilities, especially following previous controversies that nearly led to his dismissal [5][6]. Group 3: Additional Pressures - Austin is also facing scrutiny over a military operation against suspected drug trafficking vessels, which has raised ethical questions and could potentially lead to accusations of war crimes [6]. - His leadership at the Pentagon has been marked by controversy, with critics questioning his experience compared to previous defense officials and his significant policy changes since taking office [6].

赫格塞思在当天公布的一份裁员备忘录中说，裁员措施将消除"多余的部队结构，以优化和精简领导层"，目的是让军队摆脱"不必要的官僚层 级"。路透社报道说，暂不清楚五角大楼会砍掉哪些具体职位。五角大楼一直在评估其全球布局，赫格塞思在考虑是否合并一些分布在世界不同地 区、由四星上将领导的作战司令部。合并后，四星上将的数量将减少。 赫格塞思还要求美国国民警卫队削减20%的高层职位，并指示在全军范围内再裁减10%的将级军官。据美联社报道，目前美军将级军官约有800 人。 赫格塞思认为，美军高级别人员数量过多。他在社交媒体X上发布的一段视频中说，有更多的将领"并不意味着就能取得更多成功"，裁员目标 是"最大限度提升战略备战水平"。 参议院军事委员会民主党领袖、罗得岛州参议员杰克·里德质疑赫格塞思的裁员计划。他说，赫格塞思曾无故解雇军队高层，"在没有充分理由的 情况下，裁减我们技能和经验最丰富的军官并不会提高军队效率"。 来自马萨诸塞州的民主党众议员塞思·莫尔顿曾在伊拉克服役，现供职于众议院军事委员会。在他看来，赫格塞思试图将军队政治化。莫尔顿在国 会大厦接受美联社采访时说，赫格塞思打算"解雇所有与他和总统意见相左的将官"。 ...