The much hyped report has arrived and although we tried not to get our hopes up, it still leaves you feeling a bit flat after reading it.
Entitled “Preliminary Assessment: Unidentified Aerial Phenomena” and only nine pages in length, it was, in short, a bit of a let down. Even measuring it against the request that prompted the report (which is included in the report as Appendix B) it is found lacking. It fails to include “A detailed analysis of UAP data and intelligence” for example.
Frustratingly but predictably, the report plays down the significance of UFO sightings with comments like this:
Some UAP appeared to remain stationary in winds aloft, move against the wind, maneuver abruptly, or move at considerable speed, without discernable means of propulsion.
Instead of saying that these objects can travel at thousands of miles per hour it says they “move at considerable speed” and instead of saying these objects seemingly defy the laws of gravity it says they “maneuver abruptly”.
Significantly though, the report did acknowledge that UFOs are real; that there are objects being observed in the skies that cannot be explained. And I think more will come to light as it is analysed in more depth.
However, it was always only going to be one step in the disclosure process and so it will be interesting to see what happens next.
View the full report on the Director of National Intelligence website.
The report was immediately followed by a memorandum which may be of greater significance as it directs the military to provide a report on any UFO, or UAP, observed within two weeks of the observation.
View the full memorandum from the Deputy Secretary of Defense.