Pentagon requires reporters to sign pledge, tightens access

The Pentagon on Friday told credentialed journalists that they must sign a pledge promising not to publish information that has not been authorized for public release, a move that also restricts where reporters may travel inside the military headquarters and threatens to suspend or revoke building access for violations. The guidance, distributed in a 17 page memorandum and described by Pentagon officials as a security measure, was issued to media organizations this week and is to take effect within two to three weeks, officials said.

The memo requires that Defense Department information be approved by an appropriate authorizing official before release, even if it is unclassified, and spells out reasons credentials can be denied, revoked or not renewed, including actions deemed to pose a security or safety risk. The directive also tightens physical controls inside the Pentagon, removing unescorted access to many previously open areas, instituting escorts for movement outside limited press spaces and mandating a new bright red press badge, according to officials who circulated the guidance.

Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell described the policies as basic, commonsense guidelines...