COMMUNICATIONS CENTER FILES

Every message handled by a ship or communications station is placed in one or more files. Some files are maintained by all ships and stations. Other files are optional and are maintained only to fill the needs of a particular ship or station.

COMMUNICATIONS CENTER MASTER FILE

The communications center master file is the heart of the filing system. This file contains a copy or filler of every message sent or received by your command. Messages or fillers must be filed in DTG order to facilitate speed in locating messages. Those messages not having DTGs should be filed behind messages of the same date. Separate incoming and outgoing communications center master files maybe maintained.

CRYPTOCENTER FILE

The cryptocenter file contains a copy of each Top Secret, SPECAT (less SIOP-ESI), and messages designated for special privacy, regardless of classification. Tight Control (TICON) and NATO

messages must have their own files. Fillers for messages in this file must be placed in the master station file.

SPECAT SIOP-ESI FILE

The SPECAT SIOP-ESI file contains the master copy of all SIOP-ESI messages received by the communications center. Fillers for these messages must be placed in the master station and cryptocenter files.

BROADCAST FILE

The broadcast file contains a copy or filler of each message transmitted or received by the broadcast method. This file must be stored in accordance with the highest classification of the information contained. Top Secret and SPECAT messages addressed to the

command must be filed in their appropriate files and a filler for these messages placed in the broadcast file.

STATION FILE

The station file is divided into two parts: communications center master file and visual station file. With the exception of broadcast messages, the master file contains the circuit or "as is" copy, including any message endorsements, of all messages transmitted, received, or relayed by the communications center. Narrative visual messages or fillers must be filed in the communications center master file.

GENERAL MESSAGE FILE

The general message file contains copies of all effective general messages that require retention based on the communications center's current guard list. This file is subdivided by general message title (such as ALNAV, ALCOM, NAVOP), and messages are filed in serial number order instead of DTG order. An example of a general message serial number is ALNAV 10/96. This indicates that it is the 10th ALNAV sent in 1996.

The individual file is marked with the classification of the highest classified message contained therein. The classified files may be segregated by security

classification if desired. If a general message is canceled during the current year, the message may be destroyed, but a filler must be placed in the file to

identify and indicate the disposition of all current-year general messages.

FACSIMILE FILE

The facsimile file contains a copy of all transmissions processed by facsimile equipment. A filler for all facsimile messages must be placed in the communications center master file.

COMMERCIAL TRAFFIC FILE

The commercial traffic file contains messages sent by commercial systems in accordance with Fleet Communications (U), NTP 4. This file is maintained by the commercial traffic clerk.

EMBARKED COMMAND FILE

The embarked command file is maintained by the embarked commander's staff. When embarked commanders depart their flagships, they may require

that their files accompany them. Therefore, the embarked command file is maintained separately from the flagship file. Flagship communications personnel are responsible for processing outgoing and incoming messages for the embarked staff.

NATO/ALLIED FILES

Classified messages of foreign origin must be provided the same protection as U.S. messages of equivalent classification. Foreign Restricted messages, for which there is no U.S. equivalent, must be protected the same as U.S. Confidential messages, except that Restricted messages do not have to be stored in a security container. You can find U.S. equivalent and foreign classifications in the Department of the Navy Information and Personnel Security Program Regulation, OPNAVINST 5510.1, hereinafter called the Security Manual.

NATO classified messages may not be filed with U.S. classified message. However, NATO classified message files may be stored in the same storage area with U.S. messages provided that the NATO files are clearly marked as such.