I find it interesting to guess that SEVERAL PEOPLE must have had direct dealings with his discharge, if only office workers and administrative staff. Wouldn't the officers at his hearing know what the real gossip is? Or would they be breaking the law just talking about it?
> Or would they be breaking the law just talking about it?
It would.
Kerry is counting on the honor of honorable people to
protect the secrets of his dishonors.
I presume that it may be the case that, when a discharge has been upgraded, the Navy is not allowed to reveal the former status of the discharge without the permission of the individual involved.
It may be analogous to your doctor's office staff blabbing about your medical record.
That would be the purpose of Form 180 and that may be why Kerry refuses to sign it.
Breaking the law, ruining their careers, endangering the future of the armed services in which they serve, and possibly their own lives as well.
Could there be an old news story somewhere in the archives regarding his discharge status?