Final answer:
Arnold must submit his novel for a prepublication review to ensure no classified information from his DoD career is disclosed, maintaining national security and adhering to legal obligations.
Step-by-step explanation:
Arnold, a former Department of Defense (DoD) employee, must consider the legal obligations when including experiences from his DoD career in a military spy thriller novel. Given the precedents and regulations regarding the publication of potentially sensitive or classified material, Arnold is likely required to submit his manuscript for a prepublication review. This process ensures that no classified information is disclosed, thereby protecting national security and adhering to the non-disclosure agreements typically signed by government employees. This review is vital because the media, including books, has a limited right to publish material considered classified by the government.
Historical cases such as the Pentagon Papers have demonstrated the delicate balance between the public's right to know and the imperative to safeguard national security. While the Supreme Court has ruled that the government's right to impose prior restraint is very limited, the publication of sensitive information related to troop movements or undercover operatives is a clear justification for government intervention. Arnold should be particularly cautious, as any negligent disclosure of inaccuracies in his novel can result in legal ramifications similar to the case where Katie Holmes sued a publisher for defamatory content.
The practical step for Arnold is to comply with the prepublication review to avoid the potential for legal issues or the unauthorized release of sensitive information. By doing so, he helps maintain national security while pursuing his ambitions as an author of spy thrillers.