Talk:covert

Distinction between covert and clandestine?

There is a technical difference between the government or military doing something covert and clandestine but I'm not convinced I have it straight. Can someone clear this up? JillianE 18:40, 25 December 2005 (UTC)

covert activities are those for which the government denies any responsibility should the actions eventually come to light; they also require direct presidential authorization. Clandestine activity, by contrast, does not necessarily seek to ensure that an operation's sponsor remains anonymous