Today, I share two important updates related to my soon-to-be-published second nonfiction book, The CLAPPER MEMO:

First, I received word this morning from a source with contacts in Afghanistan that my investigation into DoD’s use of interrogation technology has prompted members of Congress to put pressure on Department of Defense officials to reconsider their position of relying solely upon one technology for interrogating enemy combatants, other detainees and third-country nationals when other proven and available technologies are available and, arguably, produce better results. Of course, DOD officials will try to spin this in their favor, but the fact remains that this is a major accomplishment — and, perhaps, an additional chapter in the book!

Second, I spoke with Vicki Wells, adjutant general at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., this morning to follow up on my April 10 Freedom of Information Request via which I’m seeking a copy of the unclassified Centers for Army Lessons Learned handbook, “Inside the Wire Threats – Afghanistan.” She said my 58-day-old FOIA request, which I highlighted in a June 4 post, has crossed four hurdles — including, but not limited to, legal and intelligence reviews — and is now at Headquarters of the Army’s Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) for final consideration.

As you can see, things are heating up as we get down to the “wire” on breaking the news in my book.

While you wait for the release of The CLAPPER MEMO, be sure to order a copy of my first nonfiction book, Three Days In August: A U.S. Army Special Forces Soldier’s Fight For Military Justice.  It will make your blood boil!

UPDATE 6/7/12 at 12:15 p.m. Central: After contacting the folks at the Army’s Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) about the status of my FOIA request, I received the following message from Anastasia Kakel, TRADOC Records Administrator, in the office of the deputy chief of staff, G-6, at the Fort Eustis, Va., Army post:

Please be patient with us, as we are working through a number of FOIA requests.

Your packet was returned to Fort Leavenworth FOIA Office for further processing. I have coordinated with Ms. Wells and you will be receiving a timeframe response from the FOIA Officer, Ms. Nancy Davis.

Please be aware the packet will be returned here for processing, and I estimate a response to you two weeks after it is received. I will acknowledge receipt of the packet to you once is received at this office.

Add two weeks to the time I’ve already waited for the Army to comply with my FOIA request — which, by law, requires fulfillment within 20 days unless extenuating circumstances prevent it — and I can see a future headline: Around the Army in 80 Days: My FOIA Adventure.