OSD(PA) Briefing Card: UAP Report to Congress

Summary

This Department of Defense briefing card from May 17, 2021, provides background information, top-line messaging, talking points, and anticipated Q&A regarding the forthcoming Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) report to Congress. It outlines the establishment and purpose of the UAP Task Force (UAPTF), addresses operational security considerations, and clarifies DoD’s official stance regarding the Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program (AATIP) and former personnel.

Executive Summary

Public and news media interest in unidentified aerial phenomena (UAPs) remains high. DoD formally established a UAP Task Force (UAPTF), per the FY19 NDAA, on Aug. 4, 2020. The Senate Select Committee on Intelligence (SSCI) report attached to the FY21 Intelligence Authorization Act (signed into statute as part of the omnibus spending bill signed on Dec. 27, 2020) directed the Director of National Intelligence, in consultation with SECDEF, to submit a report to Congress on UAPs within 180 days of enactment. The SSCI report specifically mentions the UAPTF. Recently (@March 20-21), John Ratcliffe, former DNI, spoke with Fox News about the report, generating multiple queries asking for DoD comment on his claims in the interview. CBS “60 Minutes” aired a segment on May 16 on DoD’s efforts to examine UAPs.

Top Line Messages / Talking Points

• We are aware of the report requirement, and the UAPTF team is actively working with the Office of the Director of National Intelligence on the report. I refer you to ODNI for anything else regarding the report. • We take reports of incursions into our airspace – by any aircraft, identified or unidentified – very seriously, and investigate each one. • Safety (of our personnel) and security (of our operations) are of paramount concern. • To protect our people, maintain operational security and safeguard intelligence methods, we do no publicly discuss the details of the UAP observations, the task force or examinations.

Questions and Answers

Q. Has the Department found any evidence of extraterrestrial technology? A. The examinations into incursions by UAPs are still ongoing; the Department does not comment on intelligence matters.

Q: Do you have any comment on the remarks made by John Ratcliffe to Fox News about the forthcoming UAP report? A. As he was the former DNI, and ODNI has the lead on the UAP report, I refer you to ODNI.

Q. Why did you establish the UAPTF? A. The Department of Defense established the UAPTF to improve its understanding of, and gain insight into, the nature and origins of UAP incursions into our training ranges and designated airspace. The Task Force is focused on a data-driven approach to identify the source of the incursions. We need data (from increased reporting by aviators, technical means, etc.) to analyze in order to understand and draw the appropriate conclusions and to make the appropriate recommendations to leadership. As we collect additional data, we expect to close the gap between identified and unidentified and avoid strategic surprise regarding adversary technology.

Q. Why did the Navy change its reporting guidelines on UAPs? A. We are using a data-driven approach. Sometimes, there are phenomenon for which we don’t have sufficient data. We wanted to establish an environment where our force feels comfortable reporting all observations so we can collect data, make informed determinations, and address our findings.

Q. Can you tell us anything about what the UAPTF has found so far? A. We do not comment on intelligence matters.

Q. Why can’t you tell us anything about UAPs or what the UAPTF is doing? A. DoD does not provide information about operational or intelligence activities that would identify possible U.S. vulnerabilities.

Q. What budget does the UAPTF have? A: As the lead agency, the U.S Navy identifies and uses appropriated defense funding to meet UAPTF requirements.

Additional Background Information (Not for Release)

Except for its existence, and the mission/purpose, virtually everything else about the UAPTF is classified, per the signed Security Classification Guide (SCG).

Additional Talking Points on the UAPTF

• DOD has established a UAP task force to gain knowledge and insight into the nature and origins of UAP incursions into our training ranges and designated airspace. • The mission of the task force is to detect, analyze, and catalog UAPs that could potentially pose a threat to U.S national security. • The Department of Defense maintains numerous activities to collect data to build accurate operating pictures and inform decision-making. The UAPTF is another DOD tool that uses data to improve understanding of operating environments and support relevant policies. • Previously, the services investigated UAP reports separately. The UAPTF provides an opportunity to better network and standardize those processes. • The mission of the task force is to detect, analyze and catalog UAPs that could pose a threat to U.S. national security. • Sometimes, there are phenomena for which we do not have sufficient data. We want to set an environment where our force feels comfortable reporting all observations so we can collect data, make informed determinations, and address our findings. • As we collect additional data, we expect to close the gap between identified and unidentified and avoid strategic surprise regarding adversary technology. • Navy leads the UAPTF. The Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence & Security has oversight of the UAPTF. • To maintain operations security and to avoid disclosing information that may be useful to potential adversaries, DOD does not discuss publicly the details of either the observations or the examination of reported incursions into our training ranges or designated airspace, including those incursions initially designated as UAP – that also includes any details of the UAPTF and its activities. • [If asked about announcing the UAPTF without further public discussion:] We want the American public to be aware of the Department of Defense’s efforts to preserve national security. We will continue to share what we can about the program, as appropriate. • [If pressed about what the UAPTF has done so far:] I am not going to get into any details on what they may be learning in their examinations. However, I think it is important to reemphasize why we established the Task Force. Airspace in the 21st Century is increasingly cluttered and complex. We all need to be aware of safety concerns in this ever-changing operating environment and for the need to continually monitor changes to our airspace that may affect safe and secure operations. It is just the right thing to do. • Detailed reporting on what operating forces observe plays an important role in providing leadership and operational commanders the vital information they require to respond accordingly. • [If asked about the role of former DoD employee Luis Elizondo in the Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program (AATIP):] Luis Elizondo had no assigned responsibilities for AATIP while assigned to OUSD(I). • [If asked whether the UAPTF is a continuation of AATIP/the relationship between the UAPTF and AATIP:] The UAPTF is not a continuation of AATIP. Since the majority of reporting about UAP observations in recent years came from naval aviators, the Department of the Navy had been leading assessments of UAP incursion into DOD training ranges and designated airspace since approximately 2018. Beginning in 2019, DOD undertook efforts to formalize the good work done by the Navy for DOD. Former Deputy Secretary Norquist approved the establishment of the UAPTF on Aug. 4, 2020. • [If asked about the Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program (AATIP; 2008-2012, $22 million):] The purpose of the Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program (AATIP) was to investigate foreign advanced aerospace weapon system applications, with future technology projections over the next 40 years, and to create a center of expertise for advanced aerospace technologies. The goal was to help understand the threat posed by unconventional or leap-ahead aerospace vehicles and technologies that could have national security implications for the United States.