Operational security demands material classification

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Ashley J. Thum
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  Service members are trained in operational security but the concept extends beyond deployment reports and force protection conditions, it's alive in even the quietest file cabinet.

Whether labeling or transporting, proper procedure must be followed when documents containing classified information are involved.

"Classification markings are important because they identify the need for protection and what level of protection is required," said Reginald Price, 4th Fighter Wing information security program manager. "They provide guidance on information sharing, dissemination control and safeguarding, and warn holders of special access requirements."

Department of Defense Manual 5200.01 Volume 2, "DOD Information Security Program: Marking of Classified Information," explains the rules for distinguishing materials containing classified information, each of which warrants one of the following classifications:

- Top Secret: information whose unauthorized disclosure could be expected to cause exceptionally grave damage to national security
- Secret: information whose unauthorized disclosure could be expected to cause grave damage to national security
- Confidential: information whose unauthorized disclosure could be expected to cause damage to national security

The appropriate classification level must be noted on the front and back of the top and bottom of notebooks and folders, as well as along the spine of binders. In the event the materials contained have different classifications, the highest level must be marked on the outside. An advisement must also be included with the documents when the classification level increases or decreases.

For individual documents, cover sheets must be used once the document has been removed from its secure container, and are sufficient to protect documents being hand carried within the same building or office area. Standard Forms 704 and 705 are used for Secret and Confidential documents, respectively, and an Air Force Form 144 must be used when Top Secret information is involved.

A great deal of emphasis is placed on marking documents and folders, but they aren't the only items that need to be labeled. CDs, removable storage media, slides and transparencies - even film and video tapes - also require proper marking if they contain classified information.

A review of classified material should always be conducted before it changes hands, and the same can be said for an incoming item to ensure it hasn't been tampered with.

Price said some common errors found during inspections include documents without all the required labels and improperly marked secure internet protocol router network messages.

"Ultimately, it's the responsibility of each and every individual to protect classified information," Price said.

For more information, consult Air Force Instruction 31-401, "Information Security Program," or contact your unit security manager.