Who is responsible for initiating inquiries into unauthorized disclosures within the Department of Defense?

The responsibility for initiating inquiries into unauthorized disclosures within the Department of Defense falls to the Component involved. This means that each specific segment or branch of the Department of Defense is tasked with investigating incidents that relate specifically to their own operations and personnel. By doing so, they ensure that inquiries are tailored to the unique context and details of the disclosure, allowing for a more thorough understanding and effective resolution.

This approach emphasizes accountability and decentralization within the Department of Defense, empowering various components to take ownership of their policies and the security of sensitive information. Each Component is better positioned to recognize potential vulnerabilities and to respond appropriately to unauthorized disclosures that may affect their operations, assets, or personnel. This focus on the individual Components allows for more efficient identification of issues and implementation of corrective actions.