Reporting Information on UAP-Related Government Programs to AARO
The Anomaly Aerial Reporting Office (AARO) is inviting current or former U.S. Government employees, service members, and contractor personnel to submit reports regarding programs or activities related to Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) dating back to 1945. The collected reports will contribute to AARO’s Historical Record Report as directed by Congress. The reporting form can be accessed on the AARO Reporting Information page.
Individuals who were 20 years old in 1945 would be 98 years old in 2023. Given the natural course of aging and the average life expectancy, it is likely that there are only a limited number of witnesses from that era who are still alive today. This passage of time underscores the urgency and importance of collecting firsthand accounts and experiences related to Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP). The potential scarcity of living witnesses can pose a challenge to comprehensive historical record-keeping and understanding of past events.
Eligibility for Reporting: Eligible individuals are those with firsthand knowledge of UAP-related government programs or activities. At this time, AARO is not accepting reports from the general public or about UAP sightings. Future expansions may include these categories.
What Not to Report: Submissions should not include classified information or information not publicly releasable, such as data subject to export control regulations. Secondhand information or hearsay should not be reported. For current operational UAP sightings encountered during official duties, individuals should follow established reporting procedures within their respective branches or agencies.
After a report is submitted, AARO may contact individuals for additional information or to conduct an informational interview.
Nondisclosure Agreement (NDA) Considerations: Individuals can report to AARO without breaching the terms of existing or past NDAs, as per the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2023. However, apart from authorized disclosures to AARO, individuals are obliged to continue adhering to their NDAs and protect classified information.
The James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) is a piece of legislation that is passed by the U.S. Congress annually to allocate the budget and expenditures of the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). The act is named in honor of Senator James M. Inhofe, a longtime member of Congress known for his work on defense issues.
The NDAA typically includes provisions detailing military goals, the allocation of resources, personnel policies, and other facets of military management. It can also contain language directing how the military should approach and handle specific situations, such as reporting mechanisms for certain types of incidents.
By authorizing the budget and dictating the terms of its allocation, the NDAA plays a critical role in shaping the priorities and capabilities of the U.S. military. Over the years, the act has addressed a wide variety of topics, from military readiness and modernization to healthcare for service members and veterans.
Prohibition on Reprisals: The law explicitly protects individuals making authorized disclosures to AARO from reprisals. If someone faces reprisal for making an authorized disclosure, they can report it to the relevant Inspector General Hotline.
Reprisals against individuals making authorized disclosures, often known as whistleblowers, have taken various forms. Here are some examples of reprisals:
- Termination or Demotion: Whistleblowers may find themselves suddenly out of a job or demoted to a lower position as a direct consequence of their disclosure.
- Harassment and Intimidation: They may face bullying, isolation, or other forms of harassment from superiors or colleagues as a form of punishment.
- Career Stagnation: Whistleblowers might see their careers stall, with promotions being denied or career development opportunities curtailed.
- Reputation Damage: Some may experience public defamation, where false or misleading allegations are made about them to damage their professional reputation.
- Legal Action: In certain cases, legal action might be taken against whistleblowers, attempting to silence them through lawsuits.
- Security Clearance Revocation: For those working in sensitive positions, security clearances might be revoked, thereby eliminating their ability to continue in their current roles.
- Retaliatory Investigations: Whistleblowers might find themselves subject to sudden investigations intended to discredit them or find a pretext for termination.
- Health and Safety Concerns: In extreme cases, individuals might face threats to their personal safety or well-being.
Legislation such as the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) aims to protect whistleblowers from such reprisals, ensuring that they can make authorized disclosures without fear of retaliation.
Submission Criteria Acknowledgment: To submit a UAP report, individuals must confirm that they are current or former U.S. Government employees, service members, or contractor personnel and that they possess firsthand knowledge of a U.S. Government program or activity related to UAP.
Penalty for False Reporting: The form is intended for official business with the Department of Defense. False reporting is subject to penalties, including fines or imprisonment. It may also impact security clearances and employment status.
In a time where the mysteries of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) captivate the public’s imagination, the Anomaly Aerial Reporting Office (AARO) embarks on a pivotal mission to gather firsthand accounts dating back to 1945. The urgency is palpable, as many potential witnesses from the early days may no longer be with us. The initiative is not merely an exercise in historical record-keeping, but a quest to deepen our understanding of the unexplained. Balancing the need for disclosure with the imperatives of national security, the initiative ensures protections against reprisals while upholding the sanctity of classified information. Eligibility criteria and deterrents against false reporting underscore the seriousness of this endeavor. Thus, the AARO’s call for submissions is a nuanced step toward unraveling mysteries while safeguarding the interests and rights of those contributing to this significant exploration.
