Austin News

On March 19, 2024, U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) introduced the Safeguarding Tactics and Operational Procedures from (STOP) Enemies Act. The bill aims to update the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) to prevent active duty and retired service members from providing military education, training, or tactical advice to foreign adversaries.

Sen. Cornyn emphasized the need for this legislation by stating, “Our military prohibits U.S. service members from providing our enemies with weapons, ammunition, and intelligence, but military education, training, and skills need to be added to that list.” He further added, “This legislation would make it clear that active duty or retired service members who transfer their institutional knowledge to our enemies will face serious consequences.”

Echoing this sentiment, Sen. Shaheen highlighted the importance of safeguarding U.S. military knowledge, saying, “U.S. service members are the most well-trained and prepared fighting force on the planet – they must know that sharing any knowledge of their training or U.S. capabilities with adversaries is strictly prohibited.” She emphasized the severity of the consequences for those who betray their oath.

The proposed bill seeks to clarify Article 103b of the UCMJ, which currently prohibits U.S. active duty and retired service members from providing material items or intelligence to the enemy. The STOP Enemies Act would expand this prohibition to include military education, training, and tactical advice. This extension aims to prevent the transfer of critical military skills to hostile entities that may pose a threat to the United States.

The legislation aims to ensure that individuals subject to the UCMJ are prohibited from sharing military knowledge with any adversaries of the U.S., including organized enemy forces during wartime or hostile groups opposing U.S. forces.

The Safeguarding Tactics and Operational Procedures from Enemies Act represents a bipartisan effort to strengthen national security by preventing the unauthorized transfer of military expertise to foreign adversaries.