Pentagon says Army officer's social media photo isn't against protocol
WASHINGTON _ A photo of a smiling, uniformed Army officer identified as the aide carrying nuclear launch information for the president went viral Monday as social media users wondered whether it was prudent for him to be identified, but military officials said he did nothing illegal nor against protocol.
A member of President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, Richard DeAgazio, posted the photo on Facebook.
U.S. military officials said it's not illegal for the officer to take the photo, nor against protocol, though they acknowledged it is strange.
"There is an understanding that we, as military officials and those who serve our elected officials, typically seek to maintain a low profile," said a senior U.S. defense official, who wasn't authorized to speak on the matter. "It's never about us. It's about the mission and the people we serve."
The White House has not addressed the photograph.
A military aide constantly shadows the commander in chief, carrying the briefcase commonly referred to as the "nuclear football." The case does not actually contain nuclear codes, rather nuclear attack options on foreign targets and other information critical in an emergency.
Because the case must be near the president at all times, several aides from all military branches are authorized to carry it.
_Tribune Washington Bureau
