JCS EMERGENCY ACTION MESSAGES

Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) Emergency Action Messages (EAMs) contain key instructions or information from high-level authority and have predetermined formats (pro forma). Such messages are transmitted by various communications systems and normally carry FLASH (Z) precedence. They are vital messages of an extremely time-sensitive nature, and rapid processing is mandatory to achieve the fast reaction required by their content. Usage and handling procedures are issued by the JCS to those who have a need to know.

SPECAT messages come in two variations. One type includes both the general SPECAT and the SPECAT Single Integrated Operational Plan- Extremely Sensitive Information (SPECAT SIOP-ESI). This type of SPECAT message is associated with code words or projects. For example, a Secret message whose subject matter deals with a special project entitled "TACAMO" would have a classification line reading SECRET SPECAT TACAMO. SPECAT SIOP-ESI messages are always classified Top Secret. SPECAT (less SIOP-ESI) messages must be classified at least Confidential.

The other type of SPECAT message is SPECAT EXCLUSIVE FOR (SEF). SEF is used only within the naval community for highly sensitive matters, high-level policy, or when politically sensitive information is to be passed only to a particular individual. The classification line would then contain the name of that individual. For example, a Secret message destined exclusively for Admiral W. T. Door would read:

SEF messages are reserved for use by flag officers and officers in a command status. These messages are not intended for use in operational matters, and they may not be readdressed nor referenced in other narrative messages.

SPECAT messages are handled only by those personnel who are authorized to view them as approved in writing by the commanding officer.

NAVAL WARFARE PUBLICATIONS LIBRARY

The naval warfare publications library (NWPL) is the designation assigned to that group of communications and operational publications designated as part of the publication allowance for the command. These publications contain required procedures, signals, and other information of an operational or mission-essential nature. They may also include information involving safety. The NWPL provides for the central administration and maintenance of communications and operational publications. These publications include, but are not limited to:

Naval telecommunications publications (NTPs);

Naval warfare publications (NWPs);

Fleet exercise publications (FXPs);

Allied tactical publications (ATPs);

Allied exercise publications (AXPs);

USN addenda to allied publications; and

Miscellaneous allied publications.

The objective of central administration of naval warfare publications (NWPs) is to ensure that these publications are correct and readily available for their intended use. Some NWPs contain information that is necessary for the proper performance of individual duties and is important for individual professional development. Therefore, NWPs must be readily available for use by individuals with a duty-related need or a general professional need for the information.

NAVAL WARFARE PUBLICATIONS CUSTODIAN

The responsibility for managing the NWPL is assigned to an officer or senior petty officer who is responsible to the executive officer, department head, or division officer. This assignment is a collateral duty, and the person assigned is known as the naval warfare publications custodian (NWPC). This person is responsible for the overall administration and security of the NWPL in accordance with the Naval Warfare Documentation Guide, NWP 0 (NWP 1-01).

NAVAL WARFARE PUBLICATIONS LIBRARY (NWPL) CLERK

The NWPL clerk is a person assigned by the NWPC. The clerk is responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the library. The NWPL clerk maintains all records and receipts in the central file, orders all necessary publications and changes thereto, and enters all changes and amendments to publications physically held in the NWPL. The clerk reports all matters of concern to the library custodian.

NWPL ADMINISTRATION

The NWPL custodian issues publications to holders and short-term users. A holder is a person who has permanent subcustody of a publication under the central control of the NWPL. The holder is responsible for maintaining the publication, entering all changes and amendments, and providing adequate security. A user is a person who checks out a publication for temporary or short-term custody.

Signature custody and disclosure records for classified material are maintained as required by the Security Manual. Signature custody of unclassified publications is not required. However, the records of the NWPL should provide an up-to-date location of publications that have been issued to holders or checked out to users. Where signature custody is not required, a locator card maybe used in place of a catalog card to check out publications to users.