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Comment by jonnybgood | Hacker News Reader

I don't think this is that big of deal. Most intel officers and especially commanders are first and foremost managers of people. They don't really require access to classified information to do their job.

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Yes, they do require access to classified information to do their jobs. You cannot manage people effectively if you have no idea what they are working on or visit their work areas. In fact, many basic operational details of units like this are low-level classified information, which would make command without a clearance effectively impossible.

My health insurance is provided by Aetna. Does Mark Bertolini, the CEO of Aetna, require access to my private health data do to his job?

No, but he does need to know that his company processes your health claims. The existence of many intel programs is a secret.

If something exceptional happens, yes, a subordinate needs to be able to raise the issue up the chain and say, "What do I do?"

As someone else mentioned, yes he does need to be able to access that data should a specific need arise.

That said, personal health records at an insurance provider are not the same thing as classified information within the DOD. The DOD classifies lots of operational details in order to protect its operations. Unit locations, security procedures, budgets, even the existence and personnel rosters of certain locations. Do you think Mark Bertolini could run Aetna without access to its complete budget, employee rolls, locations, and functional areas?

The reason for why is a big deal. A lot of navy officers are currently involved in a bribery scandal.

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