I Investigated UAPs at the Pentagon—Americans Can Handle the Truth

I’m Luis Elizondo, a former senior intelligence official with the United States government. Currently, I continue to provide advice and assistance to the U.S. government while also publicly advocating for increased transparency and disclosure regarding the topic of UAPs (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena).

I was never particularly interested in UFOs or science fiction. My background is in science—I graduated from the University of Miami with majors in microbiology and immunology, with studies in parasitology.

The scientific method has always been one of my core tenets. After my time in the Army, I served as a special agent in counterintelligence, investigating terrorism, espionage, and other serious crimes. I’ve always been a fact and rule-based person.

Early in my career, I worked extensively with advanced aerospace technology, ensuring that it didn’t fall into the hands of our adversaries. I dealt with first-stage solid rocket motor booster engines, advanced avionic systems, and other weapon systems, working with major companies that formed the foundation of my career.

In 2008, I took on a new position at the Pentagon, having left my previous role at the Director of National Intelligence (DNI). I accepted the position since it allowed me to spend more time with my family.

My new role involved integrating national intelligence information and making it accessible to local law enforcement, which was challenging because most local law enforcement agencies don’t have security clearances. After 9/11, it became clear that there had to be a way to share critical information with local agencies without compromising security.

While at the Pentagon, I was approached by two individuals who were part of a program I hadn’t heard of before. They knew about my background and asked if I would consider joining their organization. Initially, I didn’t know what group they were referring to as there are many sensitive programs within the government. However, after meeting the director and several other individuals, I agreed to take on a role in their program, which was called the Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program (AATIP), a niche program under the…