The new DoD portal allows reporting of UFO sightings by government personnel.
The Department of Defence (DOD) has introduced a dedicated platform within the All-Domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) to facilitate the reporting of unidentified flying object (UFO) sightings. This portal empowers current and former government employees and contractors to securely submit details of their UFO encounters. The information collected will contribute to the creation of a historical record report mandated by the DOD to be presented to Congress by June 2024.
The DOD has clarified that this reporting mechanism specifically targets current or former US government employees, service members, or contractors possessing direct knowledge of activities related to Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) dating as far back as 1945. Notably, it does not serve as a channel for sharing sensitive or classified information. Active military personnel and contractors are encouraged to adhere to their respective service branch or federal agency’s reporting processes. Civilian pilots, on the other hand, are advised to report UFO sightings to air traffic control, which will subsequently relay the information to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Looking ahead, reporting eligibility is expected to expand to the general public, encompassing reports on any incidents related to UAP. Sean Kirkpatrick, Director of AARO, has encouraged current and former government employees and contractors to utilise the new portal for sharing their UFO experiences. Plans for enabling public reporting are being explored for the forthcoming third phase of the secure reporting mechanism.
The AARO, responsible for documenting, analysing, and resolving reports of UAP, not only produces an annual report on UAP activity but is also tasked with delivering the historical report due next year. In its most recent annual report, the AARO disclosed its investigation of nearly 300 UFO sightings over the past year, with some demonstrating “concerning performance characteristics” such as high-speed travel and “unusual maneuverability.”