It’s a typical military response to avoid discussing the game plan. I wouldn’t take anything from this except to say the plans are on a need to know basis.
I agree 100% that SOP when answering a question like the one posed by the WVU student would be “no comment” -
Unfortunately, that’s not what Mullen gave us - “We have a strong exceptional relationship with Israel. I spent much time with my colleagues in Israel. And so we have a very clear understanding of where we are. Beyond that, I just would not want to get into speculation about what might happen and who might do what. Frankly, I do not think it serves any purpose. I hope that the issue will be resolved in the way which will never have to answer a question like this.”
That’s a mouthful, sure “sounds” like more than “no comment” to me. Maybe it was unintended, but maybe not