A former Pentagon official who once led the U.S. government's investigation into unidentified aerial phenomena is preparing to publish a memoir that revives one of the most controversial questions in modern national security: whether the United States has secretly encountered evidence of non-human intelligence.
Jay Stratton, a longtime intelligence officer who spent 16 years in the U.S. intelligence community and later directed the Pentagon's Unidentified Aerial Phenomena Task Force, has publicly stated that he personally witnessed what he described as "non-human craft" and "non-human beings" during his government service. The claims, which previously drew attention in the documentary Age of Disclosure, are expected to form the centerpiece of his forthcoming book, Out of the Shadows: Revealing the Truth About Non-Human Intelligent Life, scheduled for publication on October 13 by HarperCollins.
The publisher is framing the memoir as more than a personal account. In promotional material, HarperCollins says Stratton uncovered "an 80-year coverup of the existence of non-human intelligent life" while "operating in the shadows of the intelligence community." The publisher further states that Stratton confronted "powerful gatekeepers who have hid the truth from the public, Congress, and even Presidents."
The allegations place Stratton at the center of a rapidly evolving debate that has increasingly moved from fringe speculation into mainstream political and national-security discussions. Over the past several years, Congress has held multiple hearings on unidentified aerial phenomena, while defense officials have acknowledged that some incidents remain unexplained.
Unlike many figures associated with UFO claims, Stratton's credentials stem directly from the institutions responsible for investigating such reports. He played a role in shaping government efforts to examine unexplained aerial encounters and held a senior civilian position often described as equivalent to a two-star military rank.
His most striking public statement came during Age of Disclosure, when he declared: "I have seen with my own eyes, non-human craft and non-human beings."
The documentary did not provide physical evidence supporting the claim, nor did Stratton publicly disclose where or under what circumstances the alleged encounters occurred. Questions surrounding documentation, classification levels, witness corroboration and material evidence remain unanswered.
HarperCollins says the book will provide additional details, including descriptions of "unnerving encounters" that "profoundly altered his understanding of humanity's place in the universe and took a disturbing toll on him and his family."
The memoir arrives amid increasing political pressure for greater transparency regarding UAP investigations. Lawmakers from both parties have demanded additional disclosure from defense and intelligence agencies, arguing that Congress and the public deserve more information about unexplained incidents documented by military personnel.
Supporters of disclosure efforts point to declassified Navy videos, military pilot testimony and government investigations as evidence that the issue warrants serious scrutiny. Skeptics counter that unexplained observations do not constitute proof of extraterrestrial technology and argue that extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence.
According to HarperCollins, Stratton is continuing to engage with officials across the federal government, including the White House, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and the Department of Defense, in efforts to access additional classified material that could potentially be released in the future.
