Pentagon: Military Intelligence Official Meets UFO Researchers

Meeting Details Date: April 10, 1997 Location: Pentagon conference room Attendees: Vice Admiral Thomas R. Wilson (vice director of intelligence, Joint Chiefs of Staff), Edgar Mitchell (former astronaut), Steven M. Greer (UFO Disclosure founder), Will Miller (retired commander), Mike Crawford (admiral), Patrick Hughes (general), Shari Adamiak (Greer's assistant), and Stephen Lovekin.

Purpose and Claims The meeting focused on alleged "special access programs" (SAPs) involving study of extraterrestrial technology, reportedly dominated by private contractors operating outside normal oversight. Greer claimed to have secured a commitment from Wilson to investigate these programs.

Access Denial Wilson subsequently reported being denied clearance to inspect relevant files, allegedly being told he lacked "need to know" status—a restriction reportedly applied even to CIA directors and the president. Mitchell later corroborated this account in 2008 media appearances.

Conflicting Accounts Wilson later admitted attending the meeting but denied ever being refused access to classified materials, creating discrepancies in the historical record.