The cornerstone of a secure and transparent government lies in its ability to safeguard sensitive information while simultaneously informing the public. This balance is achieved through a robust system of classifying, safeguarding, and declassifying national security information. While classification guides play a crucial role, understanding the broader landscape of classified documents, particularly A Classified Document Other Than A Classification Guide, is paramount. This includes knowing how these documents are handled, who has the authority to classify them, and the processes for declassification.
Original Classification Standards
Information can only be originally classified if specific conditions are met. First, an original classification authority must be classifying the information. Second, the information must be owned, produced by or for, or under the control of the U.S. Government. Third, it must fall into one or more categories related to national security, such as military plans, intelligence activities, foreign relations, scientific or technological matters, or vulnerabilities of critical systems. Finally, the original classification authority must determine that unauthorized disclosure could reasonably be expected to damage national security and identify or describe that damage. If significant doubt exists regarding the need for classification, it should not be classified. Unauthorized disclosure of foreign government information is presumed to cause damage to national security.
This image illustrates the Seal of the U.S. Department of State, symbolizing the department’s role in handling classified information related to foreign relations and national security.
Classification Levels and Authority
Classified information is categorized into three levels: “Top Secret,” “Secret,” and “Confidential.” “Top Secret” is applied when unauthorized disclosure could cause exceptionally grave damage to national security. “Secret” is used for serious damage, and “Confidential” for damage. If there is significant doubt about the appropriate level, the lower level should be used. The authority to classify information originally is restricted to the President, Vice President, agency heads, officials designated by the President, and U.S. Government officials delegated this authority. Delegations must be in writing, limited to what’s required, and reported to the Information Security Oversight Office. All original classification authorities must receive annual training on proper classification, including avoiding over-classification and safeguarding classified information.
Classification Categories
Information is only considered for classification if its unauthorized disclosure could reasonably be expected to cause identifiable or describable damage to national security and pertains to categories such as:
- 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 the national security
- United States Government programs for safeguarding nuclear materials or facilities
- Vulnerabilities or capabilities of systems, installations, infrastructures, projects, plans, or protection services relating to the national security
- The development, production, or use of weapons of mass destruction
This image depicts a “Classified” marking on a document, indicating that the information requires protection against unauthorized disclosure.
Duration, Identification, and Markings
Original classification authorities must set a specific declassification date or event based on the information’s national security sensitivity. This date should not exceed specific timeframes. The document should clearly indicate the classification level, the identity of the original classification authority, the agency and office of origin, declassification instructions, and a concise reason for classification citing applicable categories. Each classified document must indicate which portions are classified and at what level, and which portions are unclassified. Foreign government information should retain its original classification markings or be assigned an equivalent U.S. classification.
Prohibitions and Limitations
Information cannot be classified to conceal law violations, inefficiency, administrative error, prevent embarrassment, restrain competition, or delay the release of information not requiring protection. Basic scientific research not clearly related to national security should not be classified. Information cannot be reclassified after declassification and public release unless specific conditions are met, including agency head approval, recoverability of the information, and reporting to the National Security Advisor and the Director of the Information Security Oversight Office.
This image is the official seal of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), emphasizing transparency and public access to government information while respecting national security concerns.
Declassification Authority and Automatic Declassification
Information should be declassified as soon as it no longer meets classification standards. Declassification or downgrading can be done by the original classifier, their successor, a supervisor, or officials delegated the authority. The Director of National Intelligence can declassify intelligence-related information. While information meeting classification requirements generally requires continued protection, the public interest in disclosure may outweigh the need for protection in exceptional cases. All classified records over 25 years old that have permanent historical value should be automatically declassified, subject to certain exemptions.
Understanding a classified document other than a classification guide requires understanding the procedures for challenging classification status and agencies’ obligations to review classification guidance. Authorized holders who believe information is improperly classified are encouraged to challenge it. Agency heads must establish procedures for these challenges and provide opportunities for impartial review and appeals. Agencies must also conduct periodic reviews of their classification guidance to ensure it reflects current circumstances and to identify information that can be declassified.
Effective management of classified information, with a focus on a classified document other than a classification guide, strikes a critical balance between national security and government transparency. By adhering to established standards and procedures for classification, safeguarding, and declassification, the government can protect sensitive information while ensuring that the American people are informed of their government’s activities. The continuous review and adaptation of these processes are essential to maintaining this balance in a dynamic world.
