A former U.S. Army sergeant, Joseph Daniel Schmidt, who was stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), has admitted to trying to leak classified military secrets to China. After leaving the military in 2020, Schmidt approached Chinese officials in Turkey and Hong Kong, offering them sensitive national defense information. He now faces up to 10 years in prison and a hefty fine for his actions.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another routine security breach—it’s a stark reminder of how vulnerable classified info can be, even from insiders. Schmidt’s case highlights ongoing concerns about foreign espionage targeting U.S. military secrets, especially from adversaries like China. It also raises questions about post-service vetting and how easily former personnel might exploit their access. For the public, it’s a sobering look at the real-world stakes of national security.