Because hiding performance data always improves performance! Or at least lets you pretend it's improved.
❝ Overall results of routine inspections at nuclear weapons bases, such as a "pass-fail" grade, had previously been publicly available. They are now off-limits. The change goes beyond the standard practice of withholding detailed information on the inspections. ❞
They were publicly available because that created public pressure (shaming, in essence) to address problems. As actually happened.
❝ [T]he problems that prompted the reviews three years ago weren't created by releasing inspection results. The problems were actual shortcomings in the nuclear force, including occasional poor performance, security lapses and flawed training, driven in part by underspending and weak leadership. The overall results of such inspections, minus security-sensitive details, used to be publicly available. They provided the initial basis for Associated Press reporting in 2013-2014 on missteps by the Air Force nuclear missile corps. ❞
Apparently the shaming worked so well, the Pentagon decided classify such inspection reports — even to the extent of not including any of the information (good or bad) be put in personnel records. Because that clearly won't let someone get away with problematic performance.
❝ Navy Capt. Greg Hicks, spokesman for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said the added layer of secrecy was deemed necessary. "We are comfortable with the secrecy," Hicks said Monday, adding that it helps ensure that "as long as nuclear weapons exist, the U.S. will maintain a safe, secure, and effective nuclear stockpile." ❞
I feel much safer — don't you?
AP Exclusive: Security of US nukes now an official secret :: WRAL.com
The Pentagon has thrown a cloak of secrecy over assessments of the safety and security of its nuclear weapons operations, a part of the military with a history of periodic inspection failures and lapses in morale.
