Sources: Navy intel chief can't view classified info

I heard this on the radio on the way to work this morning. It's hard to believe that the Navy would leave Vice Admiral Branch in place for a year with no access to classified information. I'd say that's the definition of hamstrung.

I am sure that if my clearance was suspended for that long I would be looking at getting QMP'd

Obviously, there's more to this issue than just a clearance. I think the Navy is loathe to remove both men from their positions because it means their replacements have to be vetted and NavInt has to go to Congress - if memory serves me. Right now the political climate in Congress is iffy at best - so getting a replacement approved for NavInt is probably not likely in the near future. Personally, neither individual can do themselves any good by retiring at this point and time. Professionally, if they are guilty of nothing, then to retire is professional suicide. For the Navy there's no simple or easy way out.