security classification guidance
Covers the purpose and types of security classification guidance, the governing policy documents (E.O. 13526, 32 CFR 2001/2003, DoDI 5200.01, DoDM 5200.01, DoDM 5200.45), the six-step original classification process, required SCG content and format, distribution and indexing, and declassification guides.
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01What is security classification guidance?
Security classification guidance is any instruction or source that sets out the classification of a system, plan, program, mission, or project.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Security classification guidance is any instruction or source that sets out the classification of a system, plan, program, mission, or project.”
— CDSE IF101.16 Security Classification Guidance Student Guide, Lesson 2, p. 3 ↗02Who initially issues security classification guidance?
Security classification guidance is initially issued by Original Classification Authorities (OCAs) to document and disseminate classification decisions under their jurisdiction.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“It is initially issued by Original Classification Authorities, or OCAs, to document and disseminate classification decisions under their jurisdiction.”
— CDSE IF101.16 Security Classification Guidance Student Guide, Lesson 2, p. 3 ↗03What is the purpose of security classification guidance?
The purpose of security classification guidance is to communicate classification decisions and promote uniform derivative classification and consistent application of classification decisions to all users of the relevant information.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The purpose of security classification guidance is to communicate classification decisions, promote uniform derivative classification and consistent application of classification decisions to all users of the relevant information.”
— CDSE IF101.16 Security Classification Guidance Student Guide, Lesson 2, p. 3 ↗04Which policy document prescribes a uniform system for classifying, safeguarding, and declassifying national security information?
Executive Order 13526, Classified National Security Information, which is the foundation of national policy for classified information, prescribes a uniform system for classifying, safeguarding, and declassifying national security information.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The foundation of national policy for classified information is Executive Order 13526, Classified National Security Information. This Executive Order prescribes a uniform system for classifying, safeguarding, and declassifying national security information, including information that relates to defense against transnational terrorism.”
— CDSE IF101.16 Security Classification Guidance Student Guide, Lesson 2, p. 3 ↗05Which policy document sets forth specific guidance to agencies on the implementation of Executive Order 13526?
ISOO 32 CFR Parts 2001 and 2003, Classified National Security Information; Final Rule, sets forth more specific guidance to agencies on the implementation of the Executive Order.
06Which DoD issuance establishes the general framework and responsibilities for DoD implementation of national policy on classified national security information?
DoD Instruction 5200.01, DoD Information Security Program and Protection of Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI), establishes the general framework and responsibilities for DoD implementation of national policy on classified national security information.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“DoD Instruction 5200.01, DoD Information Security Program and Protection of Sensitive Compartmented Information, or SCI, establishes the general framework and responsibilities for DoD implementation of national policy on classified national security information.”
— CDSE IF101.16 Security Classification Guidance Student Guide, Lesson 2, p. 4 ↗07Which DoD manuals contain the requirements and minimum standards for developing classification guidance?
DoD Manual 5200.01, Volumes 1 through 3, DoD Information Security Program, contain the requirements and minimum standards for developing classification guidance.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“It authorizes the publication of DoD Manual 5200.01, Volume 1 through 3, DoD Information Security Program, which prescribe the defined procedures for the DoD Information Security Program. These manuals contain the requirements and minimum standards for developing classification guidance.”
— CDSE IF101.16 Security Classification Guidance Student Guide, Lesson 2, p. 4 ↗08Which DoD manual provides detailed information on how to develop security classification guides?
DoDM 5200.45, Instructions for Developing Security Classification Guides, provides detailed information on how to develop security classification guidance.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Another key DoD resource for developing security classification guidance is DoDM 5200.45, Instructions for Developing Security Classification Guides. This manual provides detailed information on how to develop security classification guidance.”
— CDSE IF101.16 Security Classification Guidance Student Guide, Lesson 2, p. 4 ↗09What are the two authorized methods used to communicate classification decisions?
The two authorized methods, in order of preference, are a Security Classification Guide (SCG) and a properly marked source document.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“There are two authorized methods used to communicate classification decisions. They are, in order of preference, a Security Classification Guide, or SCG, and a properly marked source document.”
— CDSE IF101.16 Security Classification Guidance Student Guide, Lesson 2, p. 4 ↗10What is the preferred method for communicating an original classification decision?
The preferred method for communicating an original classification decision is a security classification guide (SCG).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The preferred method for communicating an original classification decision is through a security classification guide, or SCG.”
— CDSE IF101.16 Security Classification Guidance Student Guide, Lesson 2, p. 5 ↗11What is a security classification guide (SCG)?
An SCG is a collection of precise decisions and comprehensive guidance regarding a specific system, plan, program, mission, or project.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“An SCG is a collection of precise decisions and comprehensive guidance regarding a specific system, plan, program, mission, or project.”
— CDSE IF101.16 Security Classification Guidance Student Guide, Lesson 2, p. 5 ↗12What elements does an SCG allow the OCA to identify?
An SCG allows the OCA to identify the specific items or elements requiring classification, the exact classification levels assigned, the reason for classification, applicable downgrading and declassification instructions, any special handling caveats or dissemination controls, the identity and position of the classifier, and a point of contact for questions or suggestions regarding the SCG.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“SCGs allow the OCA to identify specific items or elements requiring classification, the exact classification levels assigned, reason for classification, applicable downgrading and declassification instructions, any special handling caveats or dissemination controls, identity and position of the classifier and a point of contact for questions and/or suggestions regarding the SCG.”
— CDSE IF101.16 Security Classification Guidance Student Guide, Lesson 2, p. 5 ↗13In what forms may a properly marked source document provide classification guidance?
A properly marked source document may provide guidance in forms including, but not limited to, a memorandum, plan, message document, letter, or order.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Using this method provides guidance in some form including, but not limited to, a memorandum, plan, message document, letter, or an order.”
— CDSE IF101.16 Security Classification Guidance Student Guide, Lesson 2, p. 5 ↗14What is a derivative classifier?
A derivative classifier is any cleared DoD and authorized contractor personnel who generates material from sources which are already classified.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“A derivative classifier is any cleared DoD and authorized contractor personnel who generates material from sources which are already classified.”
— CDSE IF101.16 Security Classification Guidance Student Guide, Lesson 2, p. 4 ↗15May a contractor be granted original classification authority?
No. OCAs are senior government officials only, and contractors are prohibited from being an OCA.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Because their decisions have such an impact, OCAs are senior government officials only, contractors are prohibited from being an OCA.”
— CDSE IF101.16 Security Classification Guidance Student Guide, Lesson 3, p. 8 ↗16Is original classification authority tied to the individual or to the position?
Original classification authority is tied to a position and not the individual occupying the position; once an individual leaves a position designated as an OCA, that person no longer has original classification authority.
17Which DoD positions have original classification authority?
The Secretary of Defense, the Secretaries of the Military Departments (Army, Navy, and Air Force), and officials specifically delegated original classification authority in writing have original classification authority.
18What conditions apply to the delegation of original classification authority?
Delegations of original classification authority are limited to the minimum number required for effective operation of the DoD, must be made only to officials with a demonstrable and continuing need to exercise it, and delegated individuals must receive training as required by DoDM 5200.01, Volume 3.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Delegations of original classification authority are limited to the minimum number required for effective operation of the DoD; Delegations of original classification authority must be made only to officials with a demonstrable and continuing need to exercise it; Individuals delegated to exercise original classification authority must receive training as required by DoDM 5200.01, Volume 3, DoD Information Security Program”
— CDSE IF101.16 Security Classification Guidance Student Guide, Lesson 3, p. 9 ↗19What three considerations does an OCA take into account early in the classification determination process?
Early in the classification determination process an OCA considers whether there is pre-existing security classification guidance, what the state-of-the-art of the information or item is, and whether classification will result in a net national advantage.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Early considerations in the classification determination process: Is there pre-existing security classification guidance? What is the state-of-the-art of the information or item? Will classification result in a net national advantage?”
— CDSE IF101.16 Security Classification Guidance Student Guide, Lesson 3, p. 10 ↗20Where are many existing security classification guides available for research?
Many SCGs are available from an online accessible database maintained by the Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC), although some SCGs may be classified due to the sensitivity of the information.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Many Security Classification guides, or SCGs, are available from an online accessible database maintained by the Defense Technical Information Center, or DTIC. Some SCGs, however, due to the sensitivity of the information, may be classified.”
— CDSE IF101.16 Security Classification Guidance Student Guide, Lesson 3, p. 10 ↗21How many steps are in the original classification process?
The original classification process is organized into six distinct steps the OCA follows when making an original classification determination.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“This process is organized into six distinct steps the OCA follows when making an original classification determination.”
— CDSE IF101.16 Security Classification Guidance Student Guide, Lesson 3, p. 13 ↗22Can information be classified if the U.S. Government has no ownership interest in or control of it?
No. The information must be owned by, produced by or for, or under the control of the U.S. Government; if the government does not have any ownership interest in or control of the information, it cannot be classified, regardless of how sensitive it might be.
23What are the eight categories of information eligible for classification under Executive Order 13526?
The eight categories are: military plans, weapons systems, or operations; foreign government information; intelligence activities (including covert action), intelligence sources or methods, or cryptology; foreign relations or foreign activities of the United States, including confidential sources; scientific, technological, or economic matters relating to national security; U.S. Government programs for safeguarding nuclear materials or facilities; vulnerabilities or capabilities of systems, installations, infrastructures, projects, plans, or protection services relating to national security; and the development, production, or use of weapons of mass destruction.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“These are the eight categories of information eligible for classification: 1. Military plans, weapons systems, or operations 2. Foreign government information (FGI) 3. Intelligence activities (including covert action), intelligence sources or methods, or cryptology 4. Foreign relations or foreign activities of the United States, including confidential sources 5. Scientific, technological, or economic matters relating to national security 6. U.S. Government programs for safeguarding nuclear materials or facilities 7. Vulnerabilities or capabilities of systems, installations, infrastructures, projects, plans, or protection services relating to national security 8. The development, production, or use of weapons of mass destruction”
— CDSE IF101.16 Security Classification Guidance Student Guide, Lesson 3, p. 15 ↗24For what purposes may information not be classified, continue to be maintained as classified, or fail to be declassified?
Information may not be classified, continue to be maintained as classified, or fail to be declassified in order to conceal violations of law, inefficiency, or administrative error; prevent embarrassment to a person, organization, or agency; restrain competition; or prevent or delay the release of information that does not require protection in the interest of national security.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Information may not be classified, continue to be maintained as classified, or fail to be declassified in order to: Conceal violations of law, inefficiency, or administrative error; Prevent embarrassment to a person, organization, or agency; Restrain competition; Prevent or delay the release of information that does not require protection in the interest of national security”
— CDSE IF101.16 Security Classification Guidance Student Guide, Lesson 3, p. 15 ↗25What are the three classification levels used by the United States?
The United States uses three classification levels: Top Secret, Secret, and Confidential, each defined in relation to the potential for damage to the national security.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The United States uses three classification levels: Top Secret, Secret and Confidential. Each level is defined in relation to the potential for damage to the national security.”
— CDSE IF101.16 Security Classification Guidance Student Guide, Lesson 3, p. 16 ↗26What is Confidential information?
Confidential information is information or material of which unauthorized disclosure could reasonably be expected to cause damage to the national security that the Original Classification Authority is able to identify or describe.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Confidential information is information or material of which unauthorized disclosure could reasonably be expected to cause damage to the national security that the Original Classification Authority is able to identify or describe.”
— CDSE IF101.16 Security Classification Guidance Student Guide, Lesson 3, p. 16 ↗27What is Secret information?
Secret information is information or material of which unauthorized disclosure could reasonably be expected to cause serious damage to the national security that the Original Classification Authority is able to identify or describe.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Secret information is information or material of which unauthorized disclosure could reasonably be expected to cause serious damage to the national security that the Original Classification Authority is able to identify or describe.”
— CDSE IF101.16 Security Classification Guidance Student Guide, Lesson 3, p. 16 ↗28What is Top Secret information?
Top Secret information is information or material of which unauthorized disclosure could reasonably be expected to cause exceptionally grave damage to the national security that the Original Classification Authority is able to identify or describe.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Top Secret information is information or material of which unauthorized disclosure could reasonably be expected to cause exceptionally grave damage to the national security that the Original Classification Authority is able to identify or describe.”
— CDSE IF101.16 Security Classification Guidance Student Guide, Lesson 3, p. 16 ↗29May information remain classified indefinitely?
No. An important fact to remember is that no information may remain classified indefinitely.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“An important fact to remember is that no information may remain classified indefinitely.”
— CDSE IF101.16 Security Classification Guidance Student Guide, Lesson 3, p. 16 ↗30What is downgrading?
Downgrading is a determination that information classified at one level will have its classification reduced to a lower level on a specific date or event.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Downgrading rollover: A determination that information classified at one level will have its classification reduced to a lower level on a specific date or event”
— CDSE IF101.16 Security Classification Guidance Student Guide, Lesson 3, p. 16 ↗31What should happen if classification guidance is issued outside of a security classification or declassification guide?
If classification guidance is issued outside of a security classification or declassification guide, it should be incorporated into a guide in a timely fashion.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“If the classification guidance is issued outside of a security classification or declassification guide, it should be incorporated into a guide in a timely fashion.”
— CDSE IF101.16 Security Classification Guidance Student Guide, Lesson 3, p. 17 ↗32Why should security classification guidance include items that are unclassified?
Including unclassified items assures users that these items are indeed unclassified and were not inadvertently omitted from the guidance.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“In addition, it is important for guidance to include items that are unclassified to assure users that these items are indeed unclassified and were not inadvertently omitted from the guidance.”
— CDSE IF101.16 Security Classification Guidance Student Guide, Lesson 3, p. 17 ↗33Should security classification guides themselves be classified or unclassified?
To maximize usability for the greatest number of individuals, SCGs should be unclassified; even so, they generally qualify as Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and must be protected as such, and for some programs they may need to be classified and safeguarded accordingly.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“To maximize usability for the greatest number of individuals, the guides should be unclassified. Even so, they generally qualify as Controlled Unclassified Information, or CUI, and must be protected as such. For some programs, however, they may need to be classified and must be handled and safeguarded accordingly.”
— CDSE IF101.16 Security Classification Guidance Student Guide, Lesson 4, p. 19 ↗34Under 32 CFR Parts 2001 and 2003, what identifying information must a security classification guide contain?
An SCG must identify the subject matter, the OCA and the agency point of contact, and the date of approval or last review.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“This policy document includes specific requirements on the content of security classification guides. SCGs must identify the subject matter, the OCA and the agency point of contact, and the date of approval or last review.”
— CDSE IF101.16 Security Classification Guidance Student Guide, Lesson 4, p. 19 ↗35What is the heart of a security classification guide?
The heart of a classification guide is the identification and delineation of the specific items or elements of information warranting protection, the classification levels, the reasons for classification, and the duration of classification.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The heart of a classification guide is the identification and delineation of the specific items or elements of information warranting protection, the classification levels, reasons for classification, and the duration of classification.”
— CDSE IF101.16 Security Classification Guidance Student Guide, Lesson 4, p. 19 ↗36What information should appear on the cover page of an SCG?
The cover page should include the name of the system, plan, program, mission, or project; the date; the office issuing the guide; the OCA approving the guide; a statement of supersession, if necessary; and a distribution statement.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The SCG should include a cover page with the following information; the name of the system, plan, program, mission, or project; the date; the office issuing the guide; the OCA approving the guide; a statement of supersession, if necessary, and a distribution statement.”
— CDSE IF101.16 Security Classification Guidance Student Guide, Lesson 4, p. 20 ↗37What eight sections does DoDM 5200.45 recommend for a security classification guide?
DoDM 5200.45 recommends these sections: General Instructions, Overall Effort, Performance and Capabilities, Specifications, Critical Elements, Vulnerabilities and Weaknesses, Administrative Data, and Hardware, including only the sections actually needed based on the subject matter of the guide.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“This manual recommends that SCGs contain these sections. Guides should include only the sections actually needed based on the subject matter of the guide. Section 1: General Instructions; Section 2: Overall Effort; Section 3: Performance and Capabilities; Section 4: Specifications; Section 5: Critical Elements; Section 6: Vulnerabilities and Weaknesses; Section 7: Administrative Data; Section 8: Hardware”
— CDSE IF101.16 Security Classification Guidance Student Guide, Lesson 4, p. 20 ↗38Which section is the key section of a security classification guide?
The Performance and Capabilities section (Section 3) is the key section of the classification guide; it breaks down what specifically is classified in terms of the item's performance and capabilities.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The Performance and Capabilities section is the key section of the classification guide. The section takes the item that is classified and breaks down what specifically is classified in terms of the item's performance and capabilities.”
— CDSE IF101.16 Security Classification Guidance Student Guide, Lesson 4, p. 24 ↗39How must information be protected while a challenge to its classification is pending?
If any security classification guidance is challenged, the items of information involved shall continue to be protected at the level prescribed by the guide until a final decision is made on the challenge by appropriate authority.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“If at any time, any of the security classification guidance contained herein is challenged, the items of information involved shall continue to be protected at the level prescribed by this guide until such time as a final decision is made on the challenge by appropriate authority.”
— CDSE IF101.16 Security Classification Guidance Student Guide, Lesson 4, p. 22 ↗40When is the Critical Elements section of an SCG used?
The Critical Elements section is used only when there are specific critical components that need to be called out separately because of their uniqueness and importance to the overall classified item.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The Critical Elements section is used only when there are specific critical components that need to be called out separately because of their uniqueness and importance to the overall classified item.”
— CDSE IF101.16 Security Classification Guidance Student Guide, Lesson 4, p. 26 ↗41What is classified in the Vulnerabilities and Weaknesses section of an SCG?
The vulnerabilities and weaknesses are classified to protect against exploitation, and the countermeasures used to protect against exploitation are also classified.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The vulnerabilities and weaknesses are classified to protect against exploitation. The countermeasures used to protect against exploitation are also classified.”
— CDSE IF101.16 Security Classification Guidance Student Guide, Lesson 4, p. 26 ↗42What four critical pieces of information does a distribution statement include?
A distribution statement includes the authorized audience, the reason for restriction, the identity of the Controlling DoD Office (CDO), and the date of publication.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Distribution statements include four critical pieces of information: Authorized audience; Reason for restriction; Identity of the CDO; Date of publication”
— CDSE IF101.16 Security Classification Guidance Student Guide, Lesson 4, p. 20 ↗43When may hardware items be classified?
Hardware items may be classified only if they reveal information or information can be obtained from them; an item of hardware does not necessarily need to be classified simply because it is part of a classified product or effort.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Hardware items may be classified if they reveal information or information can be obtained from them. An item of hardware does not necessarily need to be classified simply because it is part of a classified product or effort.”
— CDSE IF101.16 Security Classification Guidance Student Guide, Lesson 4, p. 29 ↗44Can unclassified off-the-shelf items be classified?
Unclassified off-the-shelf (OTS) items, unless modified in some particular way to make them perform differently, can never be classified, even though they constitute a critical element, become an integral part of a classified end product, or produce a properly classified effect.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Unclassified off-the-shelf (OTS) items, unless modified in some particular way to make them perform differently, can never be classified, even though they constitute a critical element, become an integral part of a classified end product, or produce a properly classified effect.”
— CDSE IF101.16 Security Classification Guidance Student Guide, Lesson 4, p. 30 ↗45What form is completed to index a security classification guide in the DTIC online database?
Completed SCGs should be provided to the Administrator, DTIC, along with DD Form 2024, DoD Security Classification Guide Data Elements, to be indexed in an online accessible database maintained by DTIC.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Completed security classification guides should be provided to Administrator, DTIC, along with DD Form 2024 to be indexed in an on-line accessible database maintained by DTIC (Refer to DoDM 5200.01, Volume 1, Enclosure 6 for more information).”
— CDSE IF101.16 Security Classification Guidance Student Guide, Lesson 4, p. 38 ↗46What must Original Classification Authorities do before a security classification guide is disseminated?
Before dissemination, Original Classification Authorities are required to approve guides in writing.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Before dissemination, Original Classification Authorities are required to approve guides in writing.”
— CDSE IF101.16 Security Classification Guidance Student Guide, Lesson 4, p. 38 ↗47What is the DD Form 254 used for?
The DD Form 254 is an attachment to the government contractual package used to convey derivative classification guidance to DoD contractors; the preferred method is to issue unclassified DD Form 254s.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The DD Form 254 is an attachment to the government contractual package and is used to convey derivative classification guidance to DoD contractors. The preferred method is to issue unclassified DD Form 254s.”
— CDSE IF101.16 Security Classification Guidance Student Guide, Lesson 4, p. 40 ↗48When is classified information declassified under Executive Order 13526?
In accordance with Executive Order 13526, classified information is declassified when the potential for damage from compromise is no longer a concern to the national security.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“In accordance with Executive Order 13526, classified information is declassified when the potential for damage from compromise is no longer a concern to the national security.”
— CDSE IF101.16 Security Classification Guidance Student Guide, Lesson 5, p. 43 ↗49What are declassification guides?
Declassification guides are written instructions, similar to security classification guides, describing the elements of information regarding a specific subject that may be declassified and the elements that must remain classified.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Declassification guides are written instructions, similar to security classification guides, describing the elements of information regarding a specific subject that may be declassified and the elements that must remain classified.”
— CDSE IF101.16 Security Classification Guidance Student Guide, Lesson 5, p. 43 ↗50Who is responsible for developing original declassification guidance?
It is the original classification authority's (OCA's) responsibility to develop the original declassification guidance.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“It is the original classification authority's, or OCA's, responsibility to develop the original declassification guidance.”
— CDSE IF101.16 Security Classification Guidance Student Guide, Lesson 5, p. 43 ↗51Who may declassify and downgrade information within the Department of Defense?
Within DoD, information may be declassified and downgraded by the Secretary of Defense, the Secretaries of the Military Departments, other officials who have been delegated OCAs, and other officials who have been delegated declassification authority, and the authority extends only to information for which the official has declassification jurisdiction or program or functional responsibility.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Within the Department of Defense, or DoD, information may be declassified and downgraded by the Secretary of Defense, the Secretaries of the Military Departments, other officials who have been delegated OCAs, and other officials who have been delegated declassification authority. The authority to declassify information extends only to information for which the specific official has declassification jurisdiction or program or functional responsibility.”
— CDSE IF101.16 Security Classification Guidance Student Guide, Lesson 5, p. 43 ↗52What is the status of classified information that has been declassified without proper authority?
Classified information that has been declassified without proper authority remains classified, and administrative action shall be taken to restore markings and controls, as appropriate.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Classified information that has been declassified without proper authority remains classified. Administrative action shall be taken to restore markings and controls, as appropriate.”
— CDSE IF101.16 Security Classification Guidance Student Guide, Lesson 5, p. 43 ↗53What content must a security declassification guide contain?
A security declassification guide must identify the subject matter, the name and position of the OCA or Declassification Authority, and the date of issuance or last review, and it must precisely state the information to be declassified, downgraded, or to remain classified, identifying any information exempted from automatic declassification.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Security declassification guides must identify the subject matter, the name and position of the OCA or Declassification Authority and the date of issuance or last review. The declassification guide must precisely state the information to be declassified, downgraded, or to remain classified. If there is information that is exempted from automatic declassification, you must identify it.”
— CDSE IF101.16 Security Classification Guidance Student Guide, Lesson 5, p. 44 ↗54How often must declassification guides be reviewed and updated?
Declassification guides are reviewed and updated as circumstances require, but at least once every five years; some programs may require more frequent review and update.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Declassification guides are reviewed and updated as circumstances require, but at least once every five years. Some programs may require more frequent review and update.”
— CDSE IF101.16 Security Classification Guidance Student Guide, Lesson 5, p. 44 ↗55Can a security classification guide also be used as a declassification guide?
Yes. When it is sufficiently detailed and understandable, and identified for both purposes, a security classification guide may also be used as a declassification guide.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“When it is sufficiently detailed and understandable, and identified for both purposes, a security classification guide may also be used as a declassification guide.”
— CDSE IF101.16 Security Classification Guidance Student Guide, Lesson 5, p. 44 ↗56Why is a properly marked source document issued?
A properly marked source document is issued to disseminate new or changed information quickly, pending a revision to a security classification guide, or when there is limited scope or applicability, and it is how derivative classifiers carry original classification forward.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The shorter form of guidance provided in a properly marked source document may be issued to disseminate new or changed information quickly pending a revision to a security classification guide, or when there is limited scope or applicability. Derivative classifiers must carry original classification forward in a derivatively classified document.”
— CDSE IF101.16 Security Classification Guidance Student Guide, Lesson 4, p. 39 ↗57To which types of information should you apply special consideration when developing a security classification guide?
Special consideration applies to hardware items, military operations, intelligence, and foreign relations information, consulting DoDM 5200.45 to ensure the essential factors for each are considered.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“When developing SCGs, there are specific types of information you must consider. This includes hardware items, military operations, intelligence, and foreign relations information. In these cases, it is important that you consult DoDM 5200.45 to ensure you are considering the essential factors for each.”
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