Today, the National Security Agency (NSA) released a copy of an internal lecture delivered by Rear Admiral Grace Hopper from August 19, 1982. Known as one of the most influential figures in the development of early computing technologies, Hopper’s contributions have left an indelible mark on the field of computer science, particularly in the realm of programming languages. https://youtu.be/_bP14OzIJWI The lecture, which Hopper delivered during her tenure at the NSA, provides a rare glimpse into the thoughts and expertise of a woman who played a pivotal role in shaping modern computing. As a pioneering force behind the creation of COBOL,…
Author: John Greenewald
Note and Update 8/23/24 @ 4:55p Pacific time: Hours after the publication of this article, the Pentagon responded with comment. The article has been updated to reflect those answers, which are added in BLUE. https://youtube.com/live/lr61Ch5gOKs After years of bureaucratic obstacles and inconsistent responses, The Black Vault has obtained a highly sought after document through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) that directly references the Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program (AATIP), reported since 2017 as “The Pentagon’s Secret Search for UFOs”. The draft memo, never-before-seen by the public and authored by former DoD counterintelligence agent Luis Elizondo, details AATIP’s mission as “focusing…
A previously classified Department of Defense (DoD) directive, titled “Chemical Weapons Policy” (S-3145.2), dated July 23, 1987, has been released following a Mandatory Declassification Review (MDR) filed by The Black Vault. This document, which appears to have never been made public before, outlines U.S. military policy regarding the employment of chemical weapons during wartime. The directive was signed and implemented by William H. Taft IV, who served as the Deputy Secretary of Defense under President Ronald Reagan. Taft, a prominent figure in defense and legal circles, was known for his role in shaping U.S. military policy during the Cold War…
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has released a series of documents in response to a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request filed by The Black Vault. These documents, which consist of emails sent to and from Dr. David Morens, a senior scientific adviser at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), have been at the center of a growing controversy. The original request sought emails which contain the words “FOIA” and “Freedom of Information”. The controversy revolves around allegations that Dr. Morens used his personal email account to evade FOIA requests and potentially deleted critical federal records…
A DIRGram, also known as a Director’s Memorandum, is a formal communication issued by the Director of the National Security Agency (NSA). These memoranda serve as a vital tool for disseminating important information, directives, policies, and decisions from the Director’s office to various departments, units, and personnel within the NSA. The primary purpose of a DIRGram is to ensure that key directives and information from the NSA’s leadership are effectively communicated throughout the agency. This can include: Operational Directives: Instructions regarding specific intelligence operations, including changes in procedures or the initiation of new projects. Policy Updates: Announcements of new policies…