Two possibilities:
1. Someone at the Pentagon wanted to exploit a disconnect between SecDef and POTUS during a timed crisis...
-or-
2. Someone in the SecDef/Pentagon security apparatus was concerned that someone in the White House staff would exploit SecDef being down.
I'm leaning towards scenario 2. It's easier to get someone up to fuckery into the White House than in SecDef's security orbit.
It'll be interesting to see who is fired or resigns in the coming days.
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3rd Scenario: with potus traveling Defense Secy didnt want Houti rebels, Iran, Isis, Lebanon, Russia, or any domestic fringe goups from getting any ideas