Air Force Regulation 200-2 Revised with Enhanced Information Controls
The USAF revised AFR 200-2 to emphasize reducing unexplained sightings and centralized public information release through the Pentagon's Office of Information Services, restricting local commanders' disclosure authority.
Background
Regulatory Changes
On September 14, 1959, the United States Air Force issued a revised version of Air Force Regulation 200-2 governing UFO reporting procedures. The updated regulation placed increased emphasis on minimizing the number of unidentified cases within Air Force records.
Information Control Measures
The revision introduced five comprehensive paragraphs addressing public disclosure of UFO information. Authority for releasing information to the media was consolidated under the Secretary of the Air Force's Office of Information Services at the Pentagon. Base-level commanders were restricted to releasing information only when objects had been positively identified as conventional phenomena. Air Force personnel were prohibited from contacting private citizens regarding UFO cases or discussing operational details unless explicitly authorized to do so.
Significance
This regulatory update reflected the Air Force's strategy to maintain centralized control over UFO-related public communications while reducing the official count of unexplained aerial phenomena.