Afi 16 1404

Clearly marked sheets of paper used to cover the classified material. Each cover sheet has a distinct color. Confidential - blue. Secret- red. Top Secret- Orange

To protect information against unauthorized disclosure by using classification markings and security notations on all material containing classified information. They are a warning notice to users.

To provide required information about classification. Also identifies who classified the document and provides guidance for future downgrading or declassification. Identifies the reason for classification and alerts the holder to any special access, dissemination or safeguarding requirements.

Described in AFI 16-1404. Must include: Overall Classification of the document. Agency, office/date of document origin. Reason for classification. Instruction for downgrading/declassifying. Page and portion markings to identify specific classified information and level. Control notices and other markings.

Must be conspicuously marked: Top and bottom of the outside front cover. On title page. First page. Last page. Outside of back cover. Each interior page marked at the top, bottom, front, and back.

Identifies the classification levels of individual sections of a document. Every portion is marked to show highest level of classification that it contains including subject, title, paragraphs, sections, tabs, attachments, signature block, bullets, tables and even pictures.

All abbreviations appear in parentheses before the portion and always in capital letters. (U) - unclassified (C) - classified (S) - secret (TS) - top secret

Indicates the highest overall classification level of information contained in a document. There are four of these markings: Unclassified, Confidential, Secret, and Top Secret.

The last set of markings that must appear on classification information. This block of text tells who classified this information, why, and how long it must remained classified.

Means the ability and opportunity to obtain knowledge of classification. Covers everything from taking physical control of classified material, to being able to see or hear classified information.

To determine if a person is authorized to gain access to this material. They need: A need to know. Proper verified security clearance. Proper identification.

Classified materials not in use or under the direct observation of an authorized person must be guarded or stored in an approved locked container. These include safes, alarmed areas and vaults. You can not store money, weapons, narcotics or precious metals in any safe used to store classified material.

When the safe is first brought into an office. Annually. When an individual who had access PCS's or PCA's or no longer granted access. Compromise or suspected compromise.

Can only be done with the written permission of the person or office that originally made the document, or written permission from a higher authority in the same chain of command. Copies are numbered in series, office must be on document, copies are controlled like original.

Burning, melting or chemical decomposition, pulping, pulverizing, mutilating and shredding. Destruction must be thorough, documented and witnessed.

Includes nonelectric (messenger/courier and mail) and electronic (telephone, radio and SIPRNet).

Is carried by hand from the office to office. Low risk of information being lost or compromised, therefore, is one of the most secure modes. Usually not inspected and receipt is obtained.

Most often used non-electronic mode of transmission. Classified information up to and including secret may be delivered with this mode. Advantage is that it is not as expensive as a messenger. USPS offers First class, certified and registered.

Fastest, handiest and most widely used form of telecommunications in the Air Force. Never speak classified over an unsecure line. It offers no security unless encryption equipment or codes secure it.

Is the military telephone system, but offers no security.

An encrypted telephone communication system used for wired or "landline" communication. Uses a Fortezza plus crypto card which provides both voice and data encrypted communications.

A form of telecommunication that can be found in most parts of the world. Signals may be transmitted well beyond the intended receiver. Considered as least secure. Classified information must never be discussed unless secure crypto devices or codes are employed.

Is the DoD's largest network for the exchange of classified information and messages up to secret. Uses dedicated and encrypted lines that are separate from all other comm systems. Access requires secret clearance or higher and a need to access information that is available only on the SIPRNet.