SPECIAL-HANDLING MARKINGS

Certain types of messages require special-handling markings in addition to that provided by the security classification. Among these markings are such designations as Caveat, Restricted Data (RD), Formerly Restricted Data (FRD), LIMDIS, FOUO, EFTO, SPECAT, PERSONAL FOR, NATO RESTRICTED, and ALLIED RESTRICTED.

Caveat Messages

When used with special-handling instructions, the word "caveat" means a warning by authoritative orders that directs or imposes one to protect an element, usually special message traffic.

Restricted Data and Formerly Restricted Data

The marking "Restricted Data" (RD) is applied to all data concerned with the design, manufacture, or use of nuclear weapons. Also included in this category is the special nuclear material used in energy production.

The marking "Formerly Restricted Data" (FRD) pertains to defense information that has been removed from the RD category but must still be safeguarded as classified defense information. FRD material cannot be released to foreign nationals except under specific international agreement.

LIMDIS (Limited Distribution)

The LIMDIS designator is applied only to classified messages which, because of the subject matter, require limited distribution within the addressed activity.

For Official Use Only (FOUO)

FOUO is the designation used on official information not requiring a security classification but which must be withheld and protected from public release. Unclassified messages containing FOUO information must have the abbreviation "FOUO" after the designation "UNCLAS."

Encrypt for Transmission Only (EFTO)

Certain categories of unclassified messages may be identified as having potential value if subject to analysis, but do not meet the criteria for security classification. The special designation "EFTO" was established to protect these unclassified messages during electrical transmission.

EFTO is not required on unclassified messages addressed exclusively among Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard commands. EFTO is authorized for use within the Department of Defense, including the National Security Agency. However, EFTO is required on FOUO messages addressed to DOD activities outside the continental United States. Bear in mind, however, that just because information is FOUO, it is not automatically EFTO, and vice versa.

As we mentioned earlier, EFTO is a transmission marking for unclassified messages. FOUO markings, however, define a certain category of information requiring special handling. Neither FOUO nor EFTO markings are security classifications; both are special-handling designations. You can find detailed information on EFTO and FOUO markings in Basic Operational Communications Doctrine (U), NWP 4 (NWP 6-01).

SPECAT

The SPECAT marking means special category. SPECAT messages are classified messages identified with a special project or subject. SPECAT messages require special-handling procedures in addition to the handling procedures for the security classification of the message. There are four SPECAT categories:

SPECAT;

SPECAT EXCLUSIVE FOR (SEF);

SPECAT Single Integrated Operational Plan-Extremely Sensitive Information (SIOP-ESI); and

PSEUDO-SPECAT.

SPECAT and SPECAT EXCLUSIVE FOR messages must be at least Confidential. SPECAT SIOP-ESI messages are always Top Secret. PSEUDO-SPECAT messages are normally unclassified messages that require limited distribution. Examples of PSEUDO-SPECAT messages include AMCROSS messages, urinalysis test results, and HIV test results.

SPECAT messages are handled only by those personnel who are authorized by the commanding officer in writing to view them. The types of information assigned SPECAT and handling procedures can be found in NWP 4 (NWP 6-01) and in Fleet Communications (U), NTP 4, respectively.

PERSONAL FOR

PERSONAL FOR is the marking applied when message distribution must be limited to the named recipient. Only flag officers, officers in a command status, or their designated representatives may originate PERSONAL FOR messages.

NATO RESTRICTED

The United States does not have a security classification equivalent to NATO RESTRICTED. NATO messages classified as restricted must be safeguarded in a manner similar to FOUO messages. Messages originated by NATO must be handled in accordance with NATO Security Procedures (U), OPNAVINST C5510.101.

ALLIED RESTRICTED

The United States does not have a security classification equivalent to ALLIED RESTRICTED. However, these messages must be handled in the same manner as Confidential messages. U.S.-originated messages containing ALLIED RESTRICTED information are marked as "Confidential" immediately following the security classification.

MINIMIZE CONSIDERED

During an actual or simulated emergency, it may become necessary to decrease the amount of record and/or voice communications on military telecommunications circuits. When this occurs, it is called MINIMIZE. In essence, all messages that are not urgent will not be transmitted. Those messages that concern a mission or safety of life are considered imperative and, therefore, require transmission during minimize.

The same criteria pertaining to minimize conditions noted earlier in this chapter still apply. The releasing officer must review and decide on the message's merit, which means the message will be sent, either electrically or by another means. When a message is released, it must include the words "MINIMIZE CONSIDERED" and "RELEASED BY."

Messages that will not be sent electrically during minimim periods should be returned to the originator with the reason for their return. Normally nontransmitted messages will be sent via U.S. mail if they meet established security guidelines.