Pentagon Notes

From today’s press gaggle with Colonel David Lapan

Missing Sailor

There is no update on the whereabouts or status of a sailor who went missing in Afghanistan last Friday while driving an SUV through a particularly dangerous portion of the country.

The sailor is still classified as Dustwun (Duty Status-Whereabouts Unknown), and will remain so until there is firm evidence indicating otherwise. According to Lapan, the recent claim from the Taliban that he is in their possession is not viable enough to change this.

Boy Scout Jamboree

Defense Secretary Robert Gates attended the centennial Boy Scout Jamboree in Fort Ap Hill, Virginia Wednesday.

In his prepared remarks, Gates discusses hiking with his son’s Boy Scout troop when he was the CIA Director, and comments that the presence of several black vans and armed security officers may have hindered the experience.

Gates became an Eagle Scout at 15. There is no word from the Pentagon on whether a picture of him in uniform will be made available to reporters.

Suicide Prevention Report

On Thursday, General Peter Chiarelli, Vice Chief of Staff of the Army, will hold a press briefing on the Army’s Health Promotion/Risk Reduction/ Suicide Prevention Report.