When Truth-Tellers Become Targets: The Pentagon’s War on Journalism

The controversy surrounding Stars and Stripes has highlighted a disturbing trend within the US military: the erosion of journalistic independence and its chilling effect on truth-telling. As I reflect on my experiences as a journalist embedded with troops in Iraq, I’m reminded that even in chaos and conflict, a free press is essential for uncovering inefficiencies and improving conditions for service members.

The case of James Murphy, a sergeant from New Jersey who removed the “chicken plate” from his turret to gain a better view, illustrates this point. The military’s response – or lack thereof – speaks volumes about bureaucratic hurdles that hinder progress. While some officials were aware of the issue and working on improved shields, many soldiers felt hesitant to speak out due to fear of being seen as complainers.

This phenomenon is not unique to Stars and Stripes or the Pentagon. Throughout history, attempts to restrict press access or stifle criticism have come with catastrophic consequences for journalists and those they serve. The case of Stars and Stripes is merely the latest example in a long line of incidents that highlight the importance of an independent media.

Founded during the Civil War, Stars and Stripes has consistently demonstrated its commitment to editorial freedom from its inception. Union soldiers took over a printing press in Bloomfield, Missouri, to produce one of the most respected military publications in history. This tradition continued throughout World Wars I and II, with notable figures like General John “Black Jack” Pershing and General George C. Marshall recognizing the value of an unencumbered press.

However, this autonomy has not been without its challenges. Even during times of war, leaders have sought to exert control over the narrative, as evidenced by General Patton’s complaints about Bill Mauldin’s cartoons. Yet, individuals like Eisenhower and Marshall stood firm in defense of journalistic independence, recognizing that a free press is essential for holding those in power accountable.

Today, we see a disturbing trend unfolding. The Pentagon has become increasingly hostile towards independent reporting, with the Correspondents’ Corridor closed and court appeals ongoing on press-access restrictions. The New York Times is suing the Pentagon on First Amendment grounds, arguing that attempts to prevent independent reporting are unconstitutional – a stance shared by many journalists across the country.

As someone who has personally experienced the consequences of pushing back against Pentagon pressure, I’m acutely aware of the danger this trend poses. By publicly denouncing reporting or news outlets, military leaders create a chilling effect that can have far-reaching implications for truth-tellers – including those within the military.

This is not merely a matter of preserving journalistic independence; it’s about ensuring service members receive the information they need to do their jobs effectively and safely. When leaders treat asking tough questions and reporting uncomfortable facts as disloyalty, they devalue a tool that can help them fix crucial problems.

The stakes are higher now than ever before, with US service members fighting in the Middle East. As we navigate this complex landscape, it’s imperative that we remember the importance of an independent press in holding those in power accountable. The fate of Stars and Stripes serves as a stark reminder of what can happen when truth-tellers become targets: the erosion of journalistic independence, the silencing of critical voices, and ultimately, harm inflicted on service members themselves.

In this era of heightened tensions and restricted access, it’s more crucial than ever that we stand in defense of a free press. We must recognize the value an independent media brings to the table – not just for journalists but for those they serve. The future of Stars and Stripes is uncertain, but one thing is clear: as long as truth-tellers continue to face obstacles from those who would silence them, we will never truly know the full extent of the harm inflicted upon our service members.