This may be meaningless, but it makes me feel that some suggestions can be used by the national security team of the new government. I have worked with senior leaders through many governments on both sides. I have witnessed first-hand the behavior of highly competent and skilled professionals in these positions. So, Vice President JD Vance; Secretary of State Marco Rubio; Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth; Director of the National Intelligence Office Tulsi Gabbard; National Security Advisor Michael Waltz: After the signal gate, here are some suggestions.
1. Those who trust you.
The military and civilian professionals assigned to you are very capable and have a deep understanding of your organization and national security. They want to help you succeed. My staff will prevent me from violating rules that you seem to be overlooking or missed. If your staff knows that you are sharing details about the pending military action of the signal (a commercially available application) and is not stopping you, that's a big problem. I assume they were not involved. Senior official Mr. Waltz did not set up his own chat group. If anything, it should be done by the support staff. I work with many senior military leaders. Many have extensive combat experience, including different from the mission against Hushis on March 15. If they used known signals, or the nature of the communications were shared there, I can't imagine they wouldn't intervene. This happens when you ignore your expertise.
2. Maintain the dignity and professionalism of the office.
All of you are often under scrutiny. You are being judged by the American people, people who report to you and the world. Anything you do can be reported by the media and recorded as descendants. It has nothing to do with you – it has nothing to do with the office you have. When you act unprofessionally, you can cause damage to yourself and the country. Emojis are not professional. Using signals for sensitive issues is not professional. Using childish insults to characterize journalists is not professional. Air raids that kill people are serious business and should be treated like this. The power to deploy the U.S. armed forces is a huge and modest responsibility. Through your behavior and how you communicate, you fully appreciate this fact.
3. Trust and use the system.
All members of the National Security Team have extensive, complex and secure communication systems, with 24/7 support no matter where they are. In the case of the Secretary of Defense, the Pentagon has a National Military Command Center and the organization, called “Cables”, where professionals are stationed around the world to establish one-to-one or group phones. These systems can support and any unexpected events, including nuclear conflicts. There is no good reason to ignore them.
4. There are obvious mistakes.
Denied that you did something wrong, just not flying. You might trick some public or your supporters into thinking you’re not doing anything wrong, or that’s no big deal, but I can assure you that everyone you lead knows. Everyone in uniform, every member of the intelligence community, and everyone in our diplomatic services – the ones you lead – knows that what you do is serious. They also know that if any of them commits a similar crime, they will be fired or strictly disciplined. Pilot Jack Teixeira was trying to impress them when he revealed highly sensitive classified information to his online partners. He is not a spy, he is just stupid and immature. He faces several years in prison for civil offenses and military courts.
One of the words I hear occasionally in the Air Force is: “We are not an Air Force.” This means we can make mistakes and then not get fired, but have the opportunity to learn and move on. My response to this is: “It depends on the error.” In this case, through pure good luck (and journalists' discretion), there is no obvious direct impact on your security violation. This may be a rookie mistake made by a rookie, without experience in your various jobs, and in these senior positions. This will make it easier to understand. However, if you want to lead effectively, you need to have the one you messed up on yourself and don't repeat the error.
5. Do not exclude senior military personnel.
All National Security Council meetings I attend or know at this level also include relevant senior military leaders such as the United Emirates President or Vice-Chairman and related combat commanders. I know that General Charles Brown, who was fired as chairman by President Trump, will ensure that any such conversation is conducted through approved channels and appropriate levels of security. And I'm sure acting chairman Christopher Grady will do the same. Why are excluded?
6. Understand that you are always the target of spies.
A group of people in this signal chat may be the president, the president's most targeted group. Our opponents will use all available methods to monitor you, including, especially, attempting to penetrate any commercial device or application you may use. Never forget for a second.
7. Don't embarrass the president or the country anymore.
If there is a fatal sin in political appointments, it is to embarrass the president. In every case I remember, political appointees who violated the rule did not stay in the office for a long time. The current president may not be as sensitive as the president I serve, but I hope some of you are even close to his limits. I suggest you take a more cautious attitude.
8. Looking in the mirror.
Everyone has a huge and huge responsibility. Can your experience and abilities achieve the job you have? If not, you have a responsibility to the American people and acknowledge this to the President and abandon it. You may seriously consider this option.
