Military Health Officials Block Whistleblowers With Unauthorized NDAs


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The Department of Defense Inspector General’s office is facing scrutiny over allegations that its investigators are improperly requiring Non-Disclosure Agreements before proceeding with military whistleblower complaints. This concerning practice has raised questions about transparency and the handling of sensitive investigations within the defense establishment.

A former Navy Medical Service Corps officer, Ted Macie, has come forward with his experience after filing a whistleblower retaliation complaint with the DOD Inspector General. Macie’s complaint stemmed from an investigation he faced following his social media post about cardiac issues among active-duty pilots, despite having previously reported these concerns through official channels.

The investigation, which resulted in Macie losing computer access for ten months before his retirement, ultimately found no evidence of misconduct. This led him to file a complaint with the Defense Health Agency Inspector General on May 31, 2024.

Documentation reviewed shows email exchanges between Macie and DHA IG investigator Deidre Tracy beginning June 3, 2024. The correspondence centered around the controversial requirement of an NDA for complaint submission.

Despite Macie’s requests for written clarification about the NDA requirement, Tracy avoided providing a direct answer, instead suggesting a phone conversation about what she referred to as “the alleged policy.” While Macie eventually proceeded with his complaint and completed an interview in November 2024 without signing an NDA, he reports that the investigation remains unresolved.

The issue has gained additional attention after Macie discovered that Army flight surgeon LTC Theresa Long encountered similar obstacles. According to Macie, Long is facing resistance while attempting to file complaints about whistleblower retaliation, witness tampering, and bullying, with Tracy allegedly insisting on an NDA requirement.

Frustrated by what he perceives as systemic corruption, Macie explained his decision to go public: “If they don’t want to get to the bottom of the issues and actually fix them, holding leadership accountable, then perhaps it is time that we just bring the spotlight to the American people in other ways.”

Based on his observations of numerous corruption cases reported by service members and veterans, Macie believes the likelihood of achieving justice through official channels is minimal. He now advocates for whistleblowers to share their stories publicly, given the apparent lack of genuine investigative efforts.

Both Macie and Long have expressed optimism about newly confirmed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s commitment to accountability within the DOD. Macie has indicated his willingness to assist Secretary Hegseth in pursuing this objective.