To be protected from illegal retaliation, whistleblowers must report others’ wrongdoings through protected communication. To be considered protected communication, the whistleblower must have a reasonable belief that a member of the military committed these types of violations: a violation of law or regulation gross mismanagement gross wastfe of funds abuse of authority substantial and specific danger to public health and safety any threat by another member of the Armed Forces or federal employee that indicates an intent to kill or cause serious bodily harm to others any threat by another member of the Armed Forces or Federal employee that indicates an intent to damage military, federal, or civilian property The whistleblower must make his/her report to these specific authorized entities: a member of Congress an Inspector General a member of the U.S. Department of Defense audit, inspection, or law enforcement/organization any other person designated pursuant to regulations or other established administrative procedures to receive such communications