In January 2001, the Secretary of the Navy changed Speicher's status to "missing in action". This was the first time the Defense Department had ever made such a change. In conjunction with the change in classification, Speicher was promoted to Commander, in accordance with Navy practice for POWs held a long time. The 2001 CIA report stated that he may have survived by ejecting. Rumors from Iraq said that Speicher was captive, walked with a limp, and had facial scars. In July 2002, Speicher was further promoted to Captain.