DoD Hotline - Classified Complaints

About Classified Complaints and What to Report

 

You are currently on a DoD Unclassified Internet Site. The pages you are viewing only explain how to file classified complaints. DO NOT submit a classified complaint on this unclassified site. You must use the applicable classified Hotline web pages (see below) in order to submit a classified complaint.

The violations listed below should be reported to the DoD Hotline via secure means:

  • Breach of classified systems involving Special Access Programs (SAPs) - DOD recognizes three types of SAPs: Acquisition (AQ–SAP), Intelligence, (IN–SAP) and Operations and Support (OS–SAP).
  • Nuclear Surety
  • Unauthorized Disclosures of classified information
  • Intelligence Community Whistleblower Protection Act (ICWPA) - see below for more information
  • Security violations/compromise
  • Intelligence Oversight

How to File a SECRET Complaint

To submit complaints involving SECRET information, use the DoD Hotline pages on the Secure Internet Protocol Router Network (SIPRNET). The links below are not live links.  You cannot reach the SIPRNET from this unclassified site.

You may submit your complaint via the following methods:

(Preferred) SIPR Website:  https://www.dodig.smil.mil
                    SIPR Email:  Hotline@dodig.smil.mil

                    Mailing Address:    DoD Hotline
                                                      THE PENTAGON
                                                      WASHINGTON, D.C.  20301-1900

If you send SECRET information to the DoD Hotline by any means other than our SIPR Website or SIPR E-mail, FIRST read DoD Manual 5200.01, Volume 3, "DoD Information Security Program: Protection of Classified Information," February 24, 2012, Enclosure 4, paragraph 4, "Transmission of Secret Information."

Contact the DoD Hotline at 1-800-424-9098 (unsecured line) with questions or concerns involving this process. Speaking on a classified, secured line can be arranged.
 

How to File a TOP SECRET Complaint

To submit complaints involving TOP SECRET information, use the DoD Hotline pages on the Joint Worldwide Intelligence Communications System (JWICS), found at: http://www.dodig.ic.gov/hotline/index.html. This link is not live and will not work from unclassified systems.

You may also coordinate with your respective security office on courier options. TOP SECRET complaints cannot be sent via postal systems. You may contact the DoD Hotline at 1-800-424-9098 (unsecured line) to coordinate delivery. Speaking on a classified, secured line can be arranged.

Submit online form at: http://www.dodig.ic.gov/hotline/index.html
JWICS E-mail:  hotline@dodig.ic.gov
 

How to File an Intelligence Community Whistleblower Protection Act Complaint

Before filing a complaint under the ICWPA, we recommend you contact the DoD Hotline at (800) 424-9098, for advice on filing procedures and timelines.  This unclassified web site cannot receive classified information.  You must use the applicable classified Hotline web pages (see above) in order to submit your complaint.

The ICWPA provides a secure means for employees to report to Congress allegations regarding classified information.

The ICWPA provides a process for employees, or contractor employees, of the Defense Intelligence Agency, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, National Reconnaissance Office, and the National Security Agency to report matters of "urgent concern" to the intelligence committees of Congress. Despite the title of the ICWPA, this statute does not grant protection for intelligence community employees. Federal employees are afforded protections against reprisal for engaging in certain protected activities, via other applicable Federal antidiscrimination or whistleblower protection laws.

In order to submit an ICWPA complaint, both of the following elements must be met:

  • Eligible Originator: Only applies to employees (civilian or contractor) assigned to the four DoD intelligence agencies (DIA, NSA, NRO, and NGA).
  • Urgent Concern: Complaint must be of an "urgent concern" which is defined as follows:
    • A serious or flagrant problem, abuse, violation of law or Executive Order, or deficiency relating to the funding, administration, or operations of an intelligence activity involving classified information, which does not include differences of opinion concerning public policy matters;
    • A false statement to Congress, or a willful withholding from Congress, on an issue of material fact relating to the funding, administration, or operation of an intelligence activity; or
    • An action, including a personnel action described in section 2302(a)(2)(A) of Title 5, constituting reprisal or threat of reprisal prohibited under section 7(c) of the Inspector General Act of 1978, as amended, in response to an employee reporting an urgent concern.