For example, a 21-year-old receives top secret data from the US secret services

“Guys, it was fun with you – I love you all.” With these words, Jack T, also known by the pseudonym “OG”, said goodbye to his online friends. Because he knew what to expect:

On Thursday afternoon, dozens of armed officers, some in full uniform with body armor, are in front of his parents’ house to pick him up. The 21-year-old is handcuffed and taken away in red shorts. The reason: He is the prime suspect in leaking top secret US documents to the public.

Active duty in the National Guard

But how does a 21-year-old gamer get secret service documents, the publication of which, according to experts, could have “serious consequences” for the war in Ukraine? About the employer, in the case of Jack T. the US state itself.

T is actually enlisted in the Massachusetts National Guard with the rank of Airman. In 2020, shortly after graduating from high school, he had joined the National Guard Aviation Detachment and completed basic training in Texas.

In fact, Jack T. was not called to active duty until the fall of 2022, as a National Guard spokesman confirmed to the Washington Post. Unlike the conventional US armed forces, the National Guard operates through reservists. They are mobilized when necessary, otherwise they lead a civilian life.

In particular, T. was charged with maintaining and supporting computers and communications systems for the 102nd Intelligence Wing at Otis Air National Guard Base. This is about 60 miles from his hometown of Dighton, Massachusetts.

“Great responsibility”

As part of his work as a “cyber specialist,” Jack T. was given a higher level of authority because he was also responsible for the security of the existing networks, a defense expert told “APNews.”

But does it make sense to entrust such important topics and content to such young people? Yes, Pentagon spokesman Patrick Ryder, himself a brigadier general, tells the Associated Press:

Imagine a young team leader who has the great responsibility of leading other people into and into battle. However, the comparison falls short – responsibility for a group of military personnel and responsibility for state secrets and possibly the course of the Ukraine conflict are, of course, not the same. In addition, a squad leader (for example, in the US Army) with the rank of sergeant has about 4 years of service

In addition, a squad leader (for example, in the US Army) with the rank of sergeant has about 4 years of service under his belt. Jack T. had spent a fraction of that time in the National Guard. Experts question whether someone with so little military experience has such high security clearances.

ETH professor Roland Popp is skeptical: “The results of spying on foreign leaders are being shared with the Massachusetts Air National Guard news division. Should be a need to know.” The need-to-know principle states that secret information should only be passed on to those places that absolutely need it.

Does the Massachusetts National Guard really need information about the Korean willingness to supply ammunition to Ukraine? And is there no way to maintain and secure IT systems without giving 21-year-old soldiers access to the content? Questions upon questions – some may be cleared up shortly. Hours after the arrest, the US House of Representatives announced it would open an investigation:

Meanwhile, Jack T is due in court today. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison – according to leaked document.

(cpf)