Classified Documents
Col. Mike Walker, USMC (retired)
All,
Read a nonsensical AP story fobbing off some silliness that determining whether a document is classified routinely defaults to a "judgement call" for those using the classified information.
Well, only when you cavalierly or intentionally violate the law. Otherwise, it is a very straightforward process.
If there is no classification on an original official document then -- yes -- you can treat it as unclassified. There is also a category "For Official Use Only" information but the permissions are very broad making them virtually unclassified.
For the rest, classifications range from "Confidential" to "Top Secret" and require considerable care for anyone using the information.
The mere fact that the information is transmitted on a secure system makes the need for care explicit and obvious.
You CANNOT transfer that information to a non-secure system without going through a number of procedural step approved by the appropriate Special Security Officer each and every time.
And even then, the odds are that the request will be denied.
In case of written documents, the information is clearly marked and if there are different levels of classification in one document then the classification is designated down to each paragraph or sentence as necessary.
Again, there is no ambiguity or possibility for a "judgement call" by the person gaining access to the information.
Cutting and pasting or retransmitting or rewording/paraphrasing the information taken from a classified document and entering into the unclassified flow of information is a felony that can end in imprisonment of not more than ten years for each offense (18 US Code 798).
It is a serious business.
Again, as for the alleged "judgement calls," there is no "shortcut"/"let me see"/"gee, I deem this unclassified" permissions.
Probably over 90% of the people who work with classified information never deal with the actual process of classifying or changing a classification or declassifying information.
It has a very structured and detailed process that generates a paper trail.
No one gets to read classified information and then, "poof," decide that they will change or remove the classification in an informal "judgement call" process and then carry on as usual.
Those with that authority must ensure that proper procedures are followed, documented and those actions entered/recorded.
Mike
