In a further alarming case of betrayal, former Army Sgt. Joseph Daniel Schmidt, aged 31, admitted guilt to attempting to transmit classified military information to China. During his tenure in military intelligence from 2015 to 2020, Schmidt accessed data classified as ‘Secret’ and ‘Top Secret’ and sent this information via email to Chinese officials.
For additional context, after his military service, he journeyed to Turkey and Hong Kong to relay the information in person. Ironically, Schmidt was caught after he searched for terms like ‘soldier defect’ and ‘can you be extradited for treason.’
In response to the plea, Brig. Gen. Rhett R. Cox, the Commanding General of U.S. Army Counterintelligence Command, condemned the traitor. He stated, ‘This was not a lapse in judgment — this individual failed to uphold his oath to defend our nation and to protect the lives of those he served alongside.’
Continuing his criticism of the disloyal soldier, he remarked, ‘By attempting to provide classified information to China, he jeopardized our mission and betrayed his fellow soldiers for personal gain. These actions pose a threat to our national security.’
