STORAGE OF CLASSIFIED MATERIAL

All classified matter not in actual use must be stored in a manner that will guarantee its protection. The degree of protection necessary depends on the classification category, quantity, and scope of the material involved. Normally, the type and extent of physical protection required are determined before an activity begins its day-to-day or watch-to-watch routine.

It is very likely that an appropriate physical security program is already in effect when you report aboard. Details concerning physical security standards and requirements for classified information are contained in the Security Manual.

Unattended Containers

If you find an open and unattended container or cabinet containing classified matter, you should report it to the senior duty officer. Do not touch the container or contents, but guard them until the duty officer arrives. The duty officer then assumes responsibility for such further actions as locking the security container, recalling the responsible person or persons, and reporting the security violation to the commanding officer. The custodian must conduct an immediate inventory of the contents of the security container and report any loss to the commanding officer.

Combinations

Combinations to security containers containing classified material are made available only to those persons whose duties require access to them. The combinations of security containers containing classified information must be changed at least every 2 years, unless more frequent change is dictated by the type of material stored within. Combinations must also be changed under the following circumstances:

When an individual knowing the combination no longer requires access;

When the combination has been subject to possible compromise or the security container has been discovered unlocked and unattended; and

When the container is taken out of service.

The combination of a security container used for the storage of classified material is assigned a security classification equal to the highest category of classified material authorized to be stored in the container. Records of combinations are sealed in an envelope (Standard Form 700) and kept on file in a central location designated by the commanding officer.

Cipher Locks

Cipher locks and safe combinations are handled in accordance with guidelines found in the Security Manual. With the addition of electrically actuated locks (that is, cipher and magnetic strip card locks), this type of lock still does not afford the degree of protection required for classified information. They may NOT be used as the primary means to safeguard classified material. Cipher or magnetic strip card locks are normally used for access to an area only.

GENERAL MARKING REQUIREMENTS

Classified documents and material must be clearly and conspicuously marked. Special markings, such as LIMDIS and Restricted Data, are normally placed near the classification markings. These markings inform and warn recipients of the classification assigned and indicate the level of protection required. These markings also identify the information that must be withheld from unauthorized persons.

Top Secret, Secret, and Confidential classification markings must be stamped, printed, or written in capital letters larger than those used in the text of the document. These security markings should be red in color, when practicable, and be placed at the top and bottom center of each page.

All reproductions or copies of classified materials, regardless of form, must bear clearly legible security classification markings and notations in the same manner as on the copied or reproduced material. Copying equipment does not always clearly reproduce all colors of ink or marginal images. If the reproduction process does not clearly reproduce the security markings appearing on the original copy, all copies must be marked in the same positions and size as on the original.

Paragraph markings are required for classified documents. The appropriate security markings are placed at the beginning of the classified paragraph. The symbols used to indicate paragraph classification are (TS) for Top Secret,(S) for Secret, (C)for Confidential, and (U) for Unclassified.

It is not uncommon to see foreign-originated classified information in U.S. messages and documents. Paragraphs that contain foreign-originated classified information must be properly marked; for example, "U.K.(C)" or "NATO(S)."

At the beginning of Restricted Data and Formerly Restricted Data paragraphs, use the appropriate classification symbol with the abbreviation "RD" or "FRD," such as "(S-RD)," "(C-FRD)."

Titles and subjects are classified according to their content, regardless of the overall classification of the document. Normally, the symbols indicating the classification assigned to a title or subject are placed in parentheses immediately following the item, as in the following example: