This article deserves a big WTF. MUFON's Star Team who investigate the most important cases are gagged for life? Seems like it had something to do with Robert Bigelow financing getting involved with the group:

The Gagged-for-life Star Team Confidentiality Agreement

STAR Team Membership

Any and all communication is to be directed only to the MUFON International Director or the Director of Investigations.

Strict confidentiality is in force from the moment of deployment notification. Discussion of destination and travel method communications within your immediate family is acceptable. Friends, family or other are not to be informed of any Team findings.

There is to be no media communication of any type, including reporters, television, radio, email, or other source or places of public discussion.

All findings including but not limited to the following: measurements, photographs, video of any kind, drawings, renditions, witness testimony, hearsay evidence, writings, and conclusions, are the sole property of MUFON International. Books and letters of any kind are forbidden to be written concerning an event.

All notes, reports, witness writings and findings are the exclusive property of MUFON International.

Photographs, video taken by a witness remain the witness property unless surrendered to MUFON International. Physical Evidence and Media Release Forms must be signed in all cases where material and evidence is obtained from witness or other individuals.

Any information, evidence or findings shall not be given to any Law Enforcement or Government Agency without approval from MUFON's International Director or by Due Process of Law. Any violation of the conditions of confidentiality will be cause for immediate disciplinary action.

In Summary
Without Exception, Everything Concerning a STAR Team Deployment is Strictly Confidential and Must be Maintained at the Highest Level of Security

Full article here: The Gagged-for-life Star Team Confidentiality Agreement

Just got an email from the executive director:

Dear Jeff;

Allow me to be blunt!

YES, it is total bullshit! It was when that rumor crap started over two years ago and it is still total bullshit. STAR Team signs NO special agreements. Any Field Investigator with the proper experience can be named to the STAR Team with no other requirements other than the recommendation of their State Director.

MUFON is a brand new ballgame with a brand new location and brand new leadership and a bright and powerful future. Strap in because MUFON is moving fast. You are welcome to come aboard.

Sincerely;
Dave

So I joined MUFON.

I guess we can't discuss it

LOL....have any other info? I emailed Elaine.

Oops, I spoke too fast! It's damn good to see that someone is enthused. There was an article in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette about how UFO reporting has fell off 90% in the last ten years or so. Excellent.

Jeff, interesting response, but I will say this outloud, In past communique with members of the MUFON orginization, I came to the conclusion that they are less worried about the science and more focused on the almighty dollar. I don't give them much credibility any longer. I could be wrong. I havne't kept up with them in many years.

Also let me add that the response you received was completly unprofessional from "Dave". Looks like "sound" leadership there, LOL.

Au Contrare Bob,

Below is the number of cases that MUFON has received worldwide by year from 2006 to 2012

2006 - 1733
2007 - 2592
2008 - 5738
2009 - 6415
2010 - 5663
2011 - 6672
2012 - 8187 (as of Dec 19)

So obviously it is quite the opposite of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette's report.

Oh, I am a member of the Star Team. I have signed no such agreement as mentioned above. Like Dave says, it is pure BS as are much, nay, all of the assertions I've been reading here

The men in black- they won't let you remember.

Still no response from Elaine who wrote the initial article...