OK guys we've had a security breach. Let's fire all the guys who look after security!
Oh and everybody has to work with a partner so the work output of our remaining workforce is halved.
Idiots.
Oh and everybody has to work with a partner so the work output of our remaining workforce is halved.
Idiots.
I'm entirely willing to believe it is CYA - based on my experience working classified programs practically all security procedures are CYA: Provably follow the checklist and you won't get fired if something goes wrong. Don't worry that the checklist is full of holes like swiss cheese, the checklist is more important than actual security.
If anything it stands there will be a higher concentration of work and monies given to the immune likes of Booz Allen Hamilton.
Yes, most people will just go along and do whatever they are told - even if they are told to hurt or kill people. Very few people will resist if they perceive someone else as being in control and bearing the responsibility. BUT there is an exception to this. Once ONE person decides to rebel and refuses, it spreads like wildfire.
If Snowden had had to work with a team of a dozen people and he decided to resist their secrecy, it's most likely that the rest of the group would agree and join him. At least as likely as it is that the group will go along without question for awhile and that people like Snowden will be rare.
It's a little like pairing up soldiers when you order them to commit a war crime: refusal to obey orders will get you shot -- it raises the bar of refusal by having to convince someone else to risk their life by not taking yours.