AIR FORCE REGULATION 205-1 (15 Dec 1953) Section I

SECTION I - GENERAL PROVISIONS

1. Purpose and Scope:

a. This Regulation prescribes policies and procedures for identifying, classifying, and protecting official information which requires safeguarding in the interests of the defense of the United States. It applies throughout the Air Force. The requirements of this Regulation are in accord with the provisions of Executive Order 10501, "Safeguarding Official Information in the Interests of the Defense of the United States," dated 5 November 1953, contained in AFBul 23, 1953.

b. This Regulation applies to classified information as defined in paragraph 2b, and the terms "classified defense information," "classified information," "classified matter," "classified material," "defense classification," ''defense category," "classify," "declassify," "upgrade," and "downgrade" as used in this Regulation apply or relate only to official information which require safeguarding in the interests of the defense of the United States.

2. Definitions. For the purpose of this Regulation the following definitions will apply:

a. Atomic Energy "Restricted Data" - As defined by Public Law 585, 79th Congress (Atomic Energy Act of 1946), means all data concerning the manufacture or utilization of atomic weapons, the production of fissionable material, or the use of fissionable material in the production of power, but shall not include any data which the Atomic Energy Commission from time to time determines may be published without adversely affecting the common defense and security.

b. Classified Defense Information - Official information the safeguarding of which is necessary in the interests of national defense, and which is classified for such purpose by appropriate classifying authority.

c. Classify - To assign information to one of the three classification categories after determination has been made that the information requires the protection provided by this Regulation.

d. Communications Security - The protection resulting from all measures designed to deny to unauthorized persons information of value which might be derived from communications.

e. Declassify - To remove the classification.

f. Document - Any recorded information regardless of its physical form or characteristics. Includes, but is not limited to, the following: All written material, whether handwritten, printed, or typed; all painted, drawn, or engraved material; all sound or voice recordings; all printed photographs and exposed or printed film, still or motion picture; and all reproductions of the foregoing, by whatever process reproduced.

g. Downgrade - To assign a lower classification than that previously assigned.

h. Foreign Nationals - All persons not citizens of the United States, and all citizens of the United States who are acting either in the United States or in a foreign country as representatives, officials, or employees of a foreign government. firm, corporation, or individual.

i. Information - Knowledge which can be communicated either orally or by means of material.

j. Material - Any document, product, or substance on or in which information may be recorded or embodied.

k. Materiel - Any article, product, substance, or apparatus from which information may be obtained. It comprises military arms, armament, and equipment, both complete and in process of research, development, experimentation, and construction, and includes elements, components, accessories, models, fixtures, mockups, jigs, and dies associated therewith.

l. Munitions of War - Any and all items required for war, including food and all other supplies and equipment, but excluding manpower.

m. Numbered Document - Any nonregistered document to which, for administrative reasons, a number is assigned for bookkeeping or reference purposes only.

n. Primary Interest - Primary interest in any military information is in the headquarters or agency which originated or originally classified it, or which within any chain of command is charged with control or jurisdiction over the information or current types of information similar thereto.

o. Registered Matter - Any material to which a copy number is assigned and which is accounted for at prescribed intervals and upon specified occasions. It does not, however, include documents to which, for administrative reasons, a number is assigned for bookkeeping or reference purposes only.

p. Research and Development - Applies, as far as a particular project is concerned, to an item in the process of being created for use by the Department of the Air Force. Research and development ceases with the creation of an item that has passed service tests, is adaptable to production, and is adopted by the Department of the Air Force in accordance with applicable regulations.

q. Security - The protected condition of classified matter which prevents unauthorized persons from obtaining information of direct or indirect military value. It is a condition resulting from the establishment and maintenance of protective measures which insure a state of inviolability from hostile acts or influences.

r. Short Title - A designation applied to a classified document, project, materiel, or device for purposes of security and brevity. It consists of figures letters words or combinations thereof, without giving any information relative to classification or content of the document project, materiel, or device. It may include for example, the first letter of each word of the subject of a document.

s. Technical Information - That which applies to data concerning munitions and equipment, engineering performance instructions on maintenance and operation, and any descriptive matter or components thereof. This includes means of operation, manufacture, use, techniques, and processes. Information pertaining to the various sciences which may be employed directly or indirectly in warfare is also so classed. Data of a strategic or tactical nature are specifically excluded from the meaning of this term.

t. Theater of Operations - A term used to designate that portion of a theater of war necessary for military operations, either offensive or defensive, pursuant to an assigned mission, and for the administration incident to such military operations. Theater limits are usually designated by competent authority. An inactive theater of operations is one in which organized enemy resistance has ceased. Normally, competent authority will announce when a theater of operations becomes inactive.

u. Travel - The movement of an individual who is not part of a unit or troop movement.

v. Unit - An organized group of personnel with its authorized organizational impedimenta. Organized detachments, even though temporarily organized as such for the purpose of the movement, are considered units when organizational impedimenta are authorized for them. When a code designation such as a shipment number is assigned to a troop movement, each unit therein is normally designated by shipment number and letter.

w. United States -In a geographical sense, includes the Canal Zone and all territory and waters, continental or insular, subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. When used in this Regulation, the term "continental United States" means the 48 States and the District of Columbia.

x. Upgrade - To assign a higher classification than that previously assigned.

3. Need for Classification:

a. Examination. Military information is of varying degrees of value to foreign governments and enemy forces and therefore requires corresponding degrees of protection. Official information must be examined, evaluated, and, if safeguarding is necessary in the interests of national defense, classified in accordance with the degree of protection necessary for its safeguarding. Since the value of military information is subject to change, it must be examined from time to time and classified, upgraded, downgraded, declassified, or retained in its existing category in accordance with current conditions.

b. Classification Categories. Official information which requires protection in the interest of national defense will be limited to three categories of classification, which in descending order of importance, carry one of the following designations: "TOP SECRET," "SECRET," or "CONFIDENTIAL." No other designation will be used to classify defense information, including military information, as requiring protection in the interests of national defense, except as expressly provided by statute. The provisions of Section II of this Regulation constitute rules for classifying items or types of information by category.

4. Responsibility:

a. Command:

(1) Under the direction of the Secretary of the Air Force, the Chief of Staff, USAF, exercises control over all policies relating to the safeguarding of classified information.

(2) The Inspector General, USAF, is responsible for supervision of security training and orientation programs within the Air Force, and for establishing adequate and active inspection programs to the end that the provisions of this Regulation are administered effectively.

(3) The Director of Intelligence, Headquarters USAF, is responsible for the development, promulgation, and implementation of Air Force policy relating to the disclosure of classified military information to foreign governments and their officially sponsored representatives.

(4) Each commander (and other person exercising similar authority) is responsible for the preparation and execution of detailed programs for safeguarding classified information, documents, and materiel within his control or jurisdiction. This responsibility includes such accountability procedures as are necessary to control effectively the dissemination of classified defense information, with particularly severe control on material classified TOP SECRET under this Regulation, consistent with the policies and specific requirements prescribed in this Regulation. The commander will issue such supplementary directives or instructions concerning the preparation, classifying, declassifying, dissemination, reproduction, and safeguarding of classified information and material as requirements of his headquarters, command, unit, or other activity may dictate, including the necessary assignment of appropriate responsibility to subordinates for specific staff actions. He will also require that timely consideration be given the provisions of this Regulation, in connection with the initiation, development, or implementation of all plans, programs, or projects regardless of type, scope, or priority.

(5) Responsible staff officers will be required to prepare a security annex in the form of a separate paragraph, section, or appendix, or an annex for inclusion in all documents containing exceptionally important plans, programs, or projects. The security annex will include, as appropriate, specific guidance concerning, but not necessarily limited to, dissemination of the information in its entirety and the various elements thereof, classifying documents based upon selected portions of the information if preparation of such documents is authorized, and future downgrading or declassification of the elements of the plan, program, or project involved.

(6) Commanders and other persons exercising similar authority will maintain active training and orientation programs within their command or jurisdiction for all concerned with classified defense information, to impress each such person with his individual responsibility for exercising vigilance and care in complying with the provisions of this Regulation.

(7) Commanders and other persons exercising similar authority will insure that military and civilian personnel under their command or jurisdiction are properly indoctrinated regarding their responsibility for the safeguarding of classified information, and, also, upon separation from the service or termination of employment, regarding their continuing responsibility in this connection. Specific debriefing will be accomplished, upon separation from the service or termination of employment, for those military and civilian personnel who have had access to war plans, Atomic Energy "restricted data," important research and development projects, or other particularity sensitive areas of information as determined by the commander concerned or as prescribed by higher authority. As a minimum requirement, all personnel will be informed of the contents of the attachment to this Regulation, "Notice to All Personnel." The attachment may be reproduced locally for this purpose and should be modified and expanded as necessary to apply to local conditions and to selected groups of persons according to duty assignment.

(8) A commander may delegate within his headquarters the performance of security control functions charged to him in this Regulation, but responsibility for the safeguarding of classified information within his command control or jurisdiction remains with and rests upon him.

b. Individual:

(1) The responsibility for the protection and accountability of classified information rests upon each individual in the Department of the Air Force having such information or knowledge thereof, no matter how that information or knowledge was obtained or developed.

(2) All military and civilian personnel will familiarize themselves with and adhere to the provisions of this Regulation and all other regulations which apply to them in the performance of their duties and which are issued to protect classified information. It is the sum total of all elements of security policy applied by every person to his individual and official actions regardless of position or grade, which results in adequate security of classified information and the military operations and other activities to which that information pertains.

(3) Every person who signs or otherwise approves any document will insure prior to signature or other approval action, that:

(a) The correct classification is assigned to it, if protection is necessary.

(b) All applicable provisions of this Regulation have been complied with regarding the preparation, handling, and proposed distribution of the document if it contains classified information.

(c) Any instructions contained in the document do not require or authorize an action which will result in a violation of the provisions of this Regulation.

5. Accountability and Dissemination of Classified Information:

a. General. No person is entitled to knowledge or possession of, or access to, classified information solely by virtue of his office or position. Knowledge or possession of classified defense information will be permitted only to persons whose official duties require such access in the interest of promoting national defense and only if they have been determined to be trustworthy. Possession or use of classified defense information will be limited to locations where prescribed facilities for secure storage or protection thereof are available.

b. Discussion and Access. Classified information will not be discussed either in public or in private with or in the presence or hearing of unauthorized persons, and the latter will not be permitted to inspect or have access to such information.

c. Determination of Requirement for Access. Responsibility for determining whether a person's official military or other governmental duties require that he possess or have access to any element or item of classified information and whether he is authorized to receive it rests upon the individual who has possession, knowledge or command control of the information involved and not upon the prospective recipient. However, the individual who has possession, knowledge, or command control of the information will not disclose it or permit access thereto unless be is authorized to do so pursuant to the provisions of this Regulation. These principles apply equally if the prospective recipient is an organizational entity.

d. Command Control. A commander will prescribe the dissemination to be made of classified information originated or developed within his headquarters or unit or received within his control, subject to all of the applicable provisions of the Regulation and such separate instructions which may be issued by higher authority concerning limitations on, or requirements for the dissemination of specific items of material or information. Proper control of dissemination of classified defense information shall be maintained at all times, including good accountability records of classified defense information documents, and severe limitation on the number of such documents originated as well as the number of copies thereof reproduced. The number of copies of classified defense information documents will be kept to a minimum to decrease the risk of compromise of the information contained in such documents and the financial burden on the Government in protecting such documents. Whenever specific limitations additional to those prescribed in the Regulation, regarding the reproduction in whole or in part or further distribution or dissemination of classified matter by recipients are considered necessary by originating authorities, appropriate instructions will be included thereon or in the text. The registered documents system prescribed in section IV should be utilized, where practicable, to insure security control of documents of continuing importance.

e. Automatic Distribution and Dissemination. Regulations and other directives which are intended to provide for or authorize automatic distribution of documents or dissemination of information will not be made applicable to classified information unless it is determined that the proposed distribution or dissemination of such classified information as may be involved is necessary and is authorized in accordance with all applicable provisions of this Regulation. Normally, automatic distribution of classified information outside the Department of Defense will not be authorized.

f. Information Originating in an Agency Other Than Department of Defense. Classified defense information originating in an agency outside the Department of Defense will not be disseminated outside the Department of the Air Force without the consent of the originating agency, except as otherwise provided by Section 102 of the National Security Act of July 26, 1947, c. 343, 61 Stat. 498, as amended, 50 U. S. C. sec. 403. (See paragraph 7c for instructions concerning reproduction of TOP SECRET and SECRET documents originated by an agency other than the Air Force.)

g. Special Subjects and Categories. Additional specific instructions regarding the discrimination of the following types and categories of information are contained in the paragraphs indicated:

(1) TOP SECRET information - paragraph 29.

(2) Cryptomaterial - paragraph 50d.

(3) Atomic Energy "restricted data" - paragraph 58.

h. Requests. In accordance with the principles of instructions promulgated by the Secretary of Defense, a request for classified material will not he made by any individual unless he has a clear, official requirement for knowledge or possession of such material, and no request will be honored by any commander or other person, regardless of the grade or position of the requester, unless the validity of the request has been fully established on the basis of policy prescribed in this Regulation.

6. Limitations on Authority To Disseminate:

a. To Department of Defense and Interdepartmental Activities. Subject to the policy set forth in paragraph 5 and all other applicable provisions of this Regulation, originating headquarters or offices, or higher authority in the same chain of command as the originator, are authorized to release Air Force classified information to other activities and agencies within the Department of Defense and to officially constituted interdepartmental activities with Air Force membership in accordance with established military channels with respect to correspondence with such agencies or activities. (For additional instructions relating to the Armed Services Technical Information Agency, see AFR 205-43.)

b. To Civilian Activities:

(1) General. Subject to all other limitations prescribed in this Regulation, classified information of primary interest to the Air Force, including that originated by an Air Force contractor, may be released as set forth hereinafter, to private individuals, firms, corporations, organizations, and State or Federal agencies (other than Department of Defense) provided that possession of the information by these persons or agencies is required in the interest of promoting national defense and they have been determined to be trustworthy.

(2) Special Provisions:

(a) Classified information will not be released to any individual, activity, or agency outside the Executive Branch of the Government prior to obtaining adequate assurance from the prospective recipient that the information or material will be handled and safeguarded in a manner at least equivalent to all pertinent requirements prescribed in this Regulation. (See also (f) below.)

(b) Particular care must be taken to release only such individual items of classified information or portions of classified documents, as the case may be, as are necessary to accomplish the purpose for which release is made.

(d) Individual or corporate rights originating in the information, whether patented or not will be respected. Privately owned information will not be released without the consent of the owner.

(e) A receipt will be obtained when documents classified TOP SECRET or SECRET are released to persons or activities referred to in (1) above. A receipt may also be obtained for CONFIDENTIAL documents released to such persons or activities whenever the sender deems it necessary.

(f) When TOP SECRET information is released to any person, activity, or agency outside the Department of Defense, the recipient will be advised that, as a condition of release, all persons who have access to the material shall be identifiable at all times and that reproduction of such matter shall be made or approved only as indicated thereon.

(g) The authority that releases TOP SECRET matter to any person, activity, or agency outside the Department of Defense will promptly notify the office of origin.

(3) Military and Reserve Personnel. For the purpose of this Regulation, military personnel on active duty, military personnel in retired status, and members of the Reserve Forces who request access to classified information for personal or commercial purposes will be considered "private individuals" in accordance with policy promulgated by the Department Of Defense.

c. Action on Requests. All requests for classified information from persons or agencies referred to in b above and all proposals originating within the Air Force to release classified information to such persons or agencies will be forwarded for necessary action to the Chief of Staff, Headquarters USAF, Washington 25, D. C., except as otherwise hereinafter set forth:

(1) Congressional Requests. All requests by the Congress, its committees, or members for classified information will be referred to the Director, Office of Legislative Liaison, Office of the Secretary of the Air Force, Washington 25, D. C. (See also AFR 11-7.)

(2) Testimony Before Committees of the Government. Whenever a person under the jurisdiction of the Department of the Air Force appears before a committee of the Congress or executive commission, board, committee, or similar group in either executive or public session, and is called upon to give testimony which includes information classified TOP SECRET, SECRET, or CONFIDENTIAL, he will not divulge the information unless he has been authorized by the Secretary of the Air Force to do so. The Secretary of the Air Force may, from time to time, authorize certain officers or other persons to disclose such information without his specific prior approval. Any person, when called upon to testify, will immediately endeavor to obtain necessary authority from the Secretary of the Air Force to divulge information which he anticipates will be desired. If he does not have the authority to give such information, he will respectfully state to the committee that he is not authorized to disclose the information desired and that he will endeavor to obtain the necessary authority. When a person is requested to give testimony, including information classified TOP SECRET, SECRET, or CONFIDENTIAL which he has been authorized by the Secretary of the Air Force to give, he will respectfully request that the testimony be given in executive session only and not appear in the record of hearings, the Congressional Record, or other document open to public inspection.

(3) Litigation. Requests or subpoenas for classified information, including documentary material, to be used in connection with pending or prospective litigation are governed by the provisions of AFR 110-5, subject to the provisions of policy prescribed in b above.

(4) Activities Involving Industrial Mobilization. Applications for information or records originated at the request of the Department of the Air Force for its use in connection with the mobilization of materiel and industrial organizations essential to wartime needs will be referred for necessary action to the Under Secretary of the Air Force. The service of any process or subpoena for the production of any such record will be reported immediately by the person on whom it is served to the United States Attorney for the district in which the service is made, and, at the same time, directly to the Under Secretary of the Air Force. Pending instructions from the Under Secretary of the Air Force, the requested information will not be furnished.

(5) Contractors and Prospective Contractors:

(a) The release of classified information to contractors or prospective contractors is the responsibility of the commander of the major air command who has supervision or control over the contractor or responsibility for procurement of the materiel, supplies, or services that will be produced, supplied, or furnished by the prospective contractor. Only such classified information as is required by a contractor or prospective contractor for the performance of specific contracts or the preparation of specific bids or quotations will be released, subject to (b) below and all other applicable provisions of this Regulation.

(b) Classified information will not be released or disclosed to a contractor or prospective contractor until after a security agreement is signed by the individual or by a responsible officer on behalf of the firm or corporation concerned, an appropriate security survey is made of the facility, and a facility security clearance is granted. (See AFR 205-9 for detailed instructions.)

(6) General Authority of Commanders, Major Air Commands. Subject to b above, (3), (4), and (5) above, and all other applicable provisions of this Regulation, commanders of major air commands may release or authorize the release of classified information, except TOP SECRET information, to departments and agencies of the Executive branch of the Federal Government and to manufacturers, and their representatives, engineers, inventors, and other persons actually cooperating in Department of the Air Force work and having a legitimate Government interest therein provided:

(a) The information originated within and is of primary interest to the major air command concerned.

(b) Coordination or cooperation with the Federal agency involved is necessary to accomplish the mission of the major air command concerned.

(c) The following categories and types of information are not released: War plans, proposed policies under consideration by the Air Force, intelligence, Atomic Energy "restricted data," cryptographic information, and information received from or of joint interest to an agency or activity outside the Department of the Air Force unless the release is approved by such agency or activity.

(d) Documents originated by higher authority are not released without approval of the higher authority.

d. To Foreign Nationals:

(1) General. The release or disclosure of classified information to foreign nationals (other than immigrant aliens referred to in (5) below) or to foreign governments and their officially sponsored representatives will be made only in accordance with policy and procedures promulgated in separate instructions by the Chief of Staff, USAF, to commands and offices concerned. Except as otherwise specifically authorized in writing to interested commands and offices, all requests received from foreign nationals or from foreign governments or their officially sponsored representatives for classified information and all proposals originating within the Department of the Air Force to disclose such information to them will be forwarded for necessary action through military channels to the Chief of Staff, USAF. Requests so forwarded will include the detailed comments and recommendations by each commander as to whether the information should be disclosed.

(2) Additional Requirements. In addition to the provisions of separate instructions referred to in (1) above, the provisions of paragraph 5 and those set forth in b(2) above are equally applicable and will be complied with strictly if classified information is released to a foreign government or foreign national.

(3) Attachment and Official Visits. Only the Chief of Staff, USAF (Director of Intelligence), is authorized to make commitments to receive foreign nationals at Air Force installations, facilities, or other activities as visitors for official purposes, as observers or students, or for training or liaison purposes. The Chief of Staff, USAF, will issue the necessary letter orders or other instructions in writing to the commander concerned, attaching foreign nationals to specific courses or units or authorizing official visits as may be appropriate. Personnel attached to an installation may visit another installation whenever necessary in the authorized course of instruction or performance of assigned duty upon approval of the commander of the installation to be visited.

(4) Disclosure of Information by Commanders. Authority to disclose military information to accomplish the purpose of the attachment or visit of each foreign national will be included in detail in the orders or other written instructions to commanders concerned. Such instructions will be as specific as possible concerning defense classification category and subject matter. Commanders will take positive measures to restrict access to military information by foreign nationals to that specifically authorized.

(5) Immigrant Aliens. Except as may be otherwise limited in separate directives, an alien who is in the United States under an immigration visa for permanent residence may be permitted to receive, or have access to, classified information in accordance with the provisions of this Regulation and other regulations relating to personnel security clearances on the same basis as citizens of the United States.

e. Restrictions on Release of Certain Information or Sale of Material:

(1) General. The domestic sale, the divulging of information in connection with negotiations for foreign sale, and the foreign manufacture of items of Air Force, Army, and Navy materiel and equipment are not permitted unless the Departments of the Air Force (Deputy Chief of Staff, Materiel, Headquarters USAF), Army, and Navy are agreed that military secrecy is not compromised thereby.

(2) International Traffic in Arms:

(a) The State Department administers international traffic in arms and military materiel coming within the scope of the Regulations Governing the International Traffic in Arms, Ammunitions, and Implements of War and Other Munitions of War.

(b) The State Department will not release for foreign sale any item coming within the scope of the above mentioned Regulations until the Departments of the Air Force (Deputy Chief of Staff, Materiel, Headquarters USAF), Army, and Navy have stated that there is no objection to the release on grounds of secrecy affecting the national defense.

7. Preparation, Reproduction, and Photographing of Classified Matter:

a. General. Subject to the specific limitations set forth and referred to below, classified matter will be prepared initially, copied, photographed, or otherwise reproduced only when necessary to satisfy actual military or other official governmental requirements. The number of such documents originated as well as the number of copies thereof reproduced will be severely limited.

b. Registered Documents. For specific instructions regarding preparation and limitations on authority to reproduce registered noncryptographic or registered cryptographic documents of any classification, or parts thereof, see paragraphs 42 and 49, respectively.

c. TOP SECRET and SECRET Information Originating in an Agency Other Than the Air Force. Documents originated within a department or agency of the Executive Branch of the Federal Government, other than the Air Force, which contain information classified TOP SECRET or SECRET, will not be reproduced without the consent of the originating department or agency. This restriction applies to nonregistered documents as well as registered documents. Documents originated by a contractor to a department or agency will be considered as having been originated within the contracting department or agency.

d. TOP SECRET Information Originating in the Air Force. For additional instructions regarding preparation and limitations on reproduction, see paragraph 29.

e. Effect of Limitations Imposed by Originators. In addition to the limitations referred to above, when the originator of any document includes instructions therein or issues instructions pertaining thereto which require approval of the originator before the document may be reproduced, the document will not be copied, photographed, or otherwise reproduced in whole or in part without approval of the originator or higher authority in the same chain of command as the originator.

f. Procedures:

(1) The preparation and reproduction of classified matter will be performed under careful control and strict supervision at all times. The person responsible for directing or supervising the work will insure that all persons concerned are informed as to their responsibility for safeguarding the information involved and for the proper handling of copies of the material produced, manuscripts, notes, type, carbon, plates, stencils, exposed film (developed or undeveloped), and waste incident to the preparation or reproduction.

(2) Photographs or similar reproduction of classified equipment, documents, or any other classified information is prohibited, except as may be made by persons specifically directed or authorized by proper authority. Limitations prescribed in this Regulation on authority to make copies of classified matter apply equally to the photographing of such material and to the reproduction of classified photographs.

(3) Subject to the applicable provisions of paragraph 6 concerning the release of classified information, classified matter, except TOP SECRET, may be printed, developed, or otherwise processed or reproduced in commercial facilities if adequate Government facilities are not available.

8. Storage of Classified Matter:

a. General. The possession or use of classified defense information or material will be limited to locations where facilities for secure storage or protection thereof are available by means of which unauthorized persons are prevented from gaining access thereto. Classified information including classified materiel, not in actual use by or under direct observation of an authorized person located in the same room or enclosure will be stored in accordance with the provisions of this paragraph.

b. TOP SECRET and Registered Matter. Except as specifically provided in g below for registered cryptomaterial, TOP SECRET and all registered matter will be protected in storage by the most secure facilities possible as hereinafter set forth:

(1) Normally, such matter will be stored in a safe, steel file cabinet or other safe-type steel file container having a three-position, dial-type combination lock, and being of such weight, size, construction, or installation as to minimize the possibility of surreptitious entry, physical theft, damage by fire, or tampering.

(2) In lieu of such a container the matter may be stored in a secure vault-type room or vault which affords comparable or better protection and is approved for such use by the commander of the installation, provided that the room or vault is kept securely locked when not in use. Such approval will not be construed to relieve the custodian of any responsibility for the security of the classified matter.

(3) If the foregoing safeguards are not available, matter so classified will be kept under close surveillance of an armed guard.

c. SECRET and CONFIDENTIAL Matter. In addition to the means prescribed above, including protection by armed guards, information classified SECRET or CONFIDENTIAL, and not registered, may also be stored in steel file cabinets equipped with a steel lockbar and an approved three-position combination dial-type padlock from which the manufacturer's identification numbers have been obliterated.

d. Other classified Material. Material originating under statutory provisions requiring protection of certain information will be protected in storage by means prescribed above, as appropriate.

e. Access to Storage Containers. Unauthorized persons will not be permitted access to classified information in storage. Safes and other containers in which classified information is stored will habitually be kept locked when not under the direct observation of a person located in the same room who is officially entrusted with the combination or the contents.

f. Safe Combinations:

(1) Safe combinations and combination padlocks used to lock containers holding classified information will be changed (only by persons having appropriate security clearance) at least once every year; whenever a person knowing the combination is relieved, transferred, or discharged; when a safe is first brought into an office; when the combination been subjected to compromise; and at such other times as is deemed necessary.

(2) Only a minimum number of authorized persons, consistent with operating requirements, will possess the combination to storage containers. Commanders may, however, provide for the recording of safe combinations in sealed envelopes or other sealed wrappers and the central filing thereof in the custody of specifically designated persons so that authorized individuals may have access to the storage containers in emergencies.

(3) Safe combinations will be given a classification equivalent to the classification of material normally stored in the safe.

g. Special Measures for Storage of Registered Cryptomaterial:

(1) Certain registered cryptomaterial must be kept under armed guard at all times as prescribed in separate directives. All other registered cryptomaterial will be stored in a vault with a three-position dial-type combination lock door or in an equally secure steel safe or safe file cabinet of a weight sufficient to minimize the possibility of its physical removal; otherwise, the material must be kept constantly under armed guard.

(2) Except in emergencies referred to in f (2) above, only the custodian of registered cryptomaterial or other appropriately cleared persons specifically designated by him will be permitted to have knowledge of the combination to the storage space or will have access to the cryptomaterial therein.

(3) The storage space containing registered cryptomaterial will be kept locked with the full combination when not under the direct supervision of appropriately cleared personnel.

(4) As far as practicable, classified keying materials will not be stored in the same safe as the instructions, classified cipher machines, or devices to which they apply. This restriction does not apply to a vault used exclusively for the storage of registered cryptomaterial.

h. Combat or Combat-Related Operations. In combat or combat-related operations, actual or simulated, the commander of the unit concerned will insure that all classified documents are given the maximum security possible under the circumstances. Classified documents will not be taken farther forward in combat areas, by surface means or by air, than is absolutely necessary.

i. Daily Inspection:

(1) All persons who hold or otherwise have custody of classified material will accomplish the necessary inspections within their respective areas to insure that all procedural safeguards prescribed by this Regulation are taken to protect such material at all times. Persons who hold or otherwise have custody of registered documents or material will also make an inspection at least once each day to determine whether all such documents and devices are properly accounted for.

(2) In each headquarters or unit, individuals will be designed specifically to make inspections on a room or area basis at the end of, or after, normal duty hours each day to insure that all classified material has been properly stored and that all locking devices are secure.

9. Destruction of Classified Matter:

a. Authority. Competent authority to authorize or direct destruction is set forth in AFM 181-5.

b. Pulping as a method of Destruction. Subject to standardization, authorization, and availability of a pulping machine, the commander of a headquarters or unit may authorize pulping as a method of destroying classified documents within his jurisdiction or control. Commanders who authorize the destruction of classified documents by reduction to pulp will issue detailed instructions for the proper safeguarding of the material prior to and during destruction and for the inspection of the pulping process to insure that destruction of all classified information is complete.

c. TOP SECRET, SECRET, and All Registered Documents Except Cryptographic. Documents whose destruction is authorized or directed will be burned, or, subject to the provisions of b above, completely reduced to pulp by their custodian or by an officer designated by the commander responsible for their custody. They will be burned or reduced to pulp in the presence of a witnessing officer. A certificate indicating date of destruction and identifying the documents will be executed and signed by both the destroying and witnessing officers and forwarded to the officer authorizing or directing the destruction. Copies of certificates of destruction will be retained by the headquarters or office having custodial responsibility for the documents.

d. CONFIDENTIAL Nonregistered Documents. When destruction is authorized or directed, CONFIDENTIAL nonregistered documents will be burned or, subject to the provisions of b above, completely reduced to pulp by the custodian thereof or by an officer designated by the commander responsible for their custody. Certificates of destruction and witnessing are not required unless so directed by the authority directing the destruction.

e. Accountability Records. Appropriate accountability records maintained by the headquarters or office having custodial responsibility will reflect the destruction of classified defense material, except for classified waste referred to in f below.

f. Classified Waste. Preliminary drafts, carbon sheets, plates, stencils, stenographic notes, work sheets, and similar items containing TOP SECRET, SECRET, or CONFIDENTIAL material will be destroyed by the person responsible for their production immediately after they have served their purpose, or will be given the same classification and safeguarded in the same manner as the material produced from them. Such matter will be destroyed in accordance with the above provisions, except that certificates of destruction and witnesses are not required.

g. Classified Materiel. When competent authority directs the destruction of a classified article of materiel or a component thereof, the following procedures will apply:

(1) The custodian thereof will remove all classified components and destroy them by burning or by mutilation in the presence of a witnessing officer. The balance of the material will then be processed in accordance with existing regulations for the disposition of serviceable property, or for salvage.

(2) If the above is not practicable, the custodian will destroy the entire article of materiel by burning or by mutilation in the presence of a witnessing officer.

(3) In either case, the certificate of destruction will be signed by both the custodian and the witnessing officer and submitted to the officer directing the destruction.

h. Special Measures for Destruction of Registered Cryptomaterial:

(1) Regularly superseded cryptomaterial carries instructions for its destruction on a specified date. Other cryptomaterial will be destroyed upon notification by the office of origin.

(2) Cryptographic documents will be destroyed by burning or, subject to b above, by reduction to pulp.

(3) Routine destruction will be performed by the custodian and one other witnessing officer. They will be present during destruction and will sign the destruction report upon completion of the destruction. The witnessing officer need not be cleared for cryptographic duties, provided that his inspection of the cryptomaterial is confined to the cover page of documents. Extreme caution will be taken to prevent any current or reserve materials from being included and inadvertently destroyed. Care will be taken to prevent legible scraps or recognizable parts remaining in the incinerator, the pulping machine, or at the site of the destruction.

i. Emergency Destruction:

(1) Within Areas. Commanders will make and maintain current plans for the emergency destruction or safe removal of all classified material under their jurisdiction, custody, or control should civil disturbances, disaster, or enemy action require such action. Field commanders will include specific instructions in standing operating procedures for the emergency destruction of all TOP SECRET, SECRET, and CONFIDENTIAL matter. Detailed instructions relating to emergency destruction of registered cryptomaterial are contained in USAF Security Service Publication SSG-61.

(2) In Transit. Persons carrying or accompanying classified matter in transit will destroy the material by burning if forced down in an aircraft, shipwrecked, or stranded for any other reason, including vehicular and railway accidents, and it appears unlikely that the material can be properly protected. If not subject to burning, the material will be destroyed by such other means as are necessary to render recognition impossible. If the emergency occurs at sea and no better method of destruction can be found, the material may, be sunk by the most practical method. In time of war, if the emergency occurs in enemy or neutral territory, the material will be destroyed in every instance as soon as practicable after the emergency occurs.

10. Removal of Classified Matter:

a. Classified documents or other material will not be removed from the headquarters or unit having custodial responsibility therefor by any person, regardless of grade or position, without the express permission of the commander or the individual designated by name or office to act for him. Such permission will be withheld in every instance unless the commander or other responsible individual determines that the proposed removal is necessary and that the classified material can be accorded the security handling and storage prescribed in this Regulation by the person concerned. This restriction is applicable under all circumstances without exception, including, but not limited to, the performance of work by an individual at his place of residence, the carrying of documents by individuals for use during official visits to other stations, and the transmission of material from one headquarters to another by an individual.

b. Whenever an individual removes classified material from the headquarters or unit having custodial responsibility for purposes other than transmission under the provisions of section III, a record will be made and retained on file showing the name of the individual taking the material, the date and title or other appropriate description of each document or other item, and its assigned classification, purpose of removal, and the name and position of the person authorizing the removal. The classified material will be returned to the headquarters or unit immediately after accomplishment of the purpose for which removal was approved, and an appropriate notation made on the record of removal.

c. Classified material intended for use by an individual during a visit at another activity should be transmitted to the other activity for his use by one of the secure means of transmission prescribed in section III if there is any doubt as to whether the material can be properly handled and protected if carried by the individual.

11. Return of Classified Matter:

a. General. Retention of classified matter by any person, whether military or civilian, and regardless of grade or position, for personal or commercial purposes is prohibited, even though such person may have been solely or partly responsible for production of the material. (See also paragraph 6b(3).)

b. Action by Individuals. Prior to retirement, separation from the service or civilian employment, change of duty assignment, or reversion to inactive status, each individual will return to the source from which received or to his commander or supervisor, or otherwise properly transfer or account for, all classified documents issued to him or which are in his possession.

c. Action by Commanders. Commanders will establish an appropriate system within their respective headquarters or units to insure compliance with the provisions of this paragraph by all individuals concerned.

12. Commercial and Service Publications:

a. Individual Activities. The inclusion of classified information by military or civilian personnel in any personal or commercial article, thesis, book, or other product written for publication or distribution is prohibited. The contribution in any manner of classified information by military or civilian personnel to other persons for use in publications or personal material described above constitutes unauthorized disclosure of classified information and is also prohibited.

b. Service Publications. Commanders are responsible for insuring that service magazines, journals, and newspapers published under their supervision do not contain classified information.

c. Compilations of Information. Appropriate authorities will carefully review for security, data or items which individually may be unclassified when a compilation of information is made or submitted for inclusion in commercial or service publications. Such compilations will be published only after coordination with the office or offices having primary interest in the material in order to determine whether the information requires protection in the interests of the defense of the United States.

13. Legal Instruments. The disclosure of a place of execution or acknowledgment on a legal instrument by one in or with the Armed Forces overseas is authorized, provided that in wartime the military necessity for secrecy of strength and location of troops does not require suppression of such information, the execution of the instrument cannot be deferred without undue hardship, and the information disclosed will be of no substantial value to the enemy when and if it may reach him.

14. Telephone Conversations:

a. Classified information will not be discussed over the telephone. It is permissible to refer over the telephone to classified material, provided that such references do not, in the course of the conversation, reveal the substance of those portions of the material under discussion which are classified. Reference to file numbers, dates, and subject (provided that the subject itself is not classified) may be made over the telephone, but great care will be exercised not to reveal classified information.

b. For instructions regarding the transmission of classified information over approved circuits, see paragraph 31a.

15. Precautions Necessary for Safeguarding:

a. Identification and Clearance. Before discussing, or permitting access to, classified information, the intended recipients of the information must be completely and indisputably identified and determined to be trustworthy. This should be accomplished by means of personal recognition, use of identifying documents, or verification of identity by the use of telephone, telegraph, radio, or mail communication. Whenever prior personnel security clearance is prescribed as a prerequisite for access to the information involved, clearance of the intended recipient will be verified with the appropriate clearing authority to which the individual is assigned before discussing, or permitting access to, the information.

b. Advising of Need for Protection. When classified information is discussed with persons who are subject to military law or employed in the Executive Branch of the Federal Government, they will be informed of its classification. When classified information is discussed with persons in or out of Federal service, other than those subject to military law or employed in the Executive Branch, they will be informed that it affects the national defense of the United States within the meaning of the Espionage Laws and that its revelation to an unauthorized person is prohibited by law.

c. Conferences. Individuals who make arrangements for, or attend, conferences or meetings at which classified information is or will be involved will comply fully with the applicable provisions of this Regulation in order to prevent or avoid the unauthorized dissemination of classified information. Persons who disclose, or permit access to, information classified TOP SECRET will insure that a list is maintained of all individuals to whom the information was disclosed. The list, or lists, will be filed as provided in paragraph 29.

d. Cover Sheets for Documents. Classified documents originated or received in a headquarters should have a cover sheet attached to them while they are in actual use. AF Form 694 is available for this purpose. When transmission of documents is made, AF Form 694 will be detached.

e. Care of Documents in Use. Classified documents in actual use will be kept under the constant surveillance of the person responsible therefor. They should be covered, turned face down, placed in storage, or otherwise protected when visitors are present.

f. Personal Correspondence. Classified information will not be included in personal correspondence or messages.

g. Addressing Official Mail. Official correspondence containing classified information intended for delivery to an individual in another headquarters or another office will be addressed in the proper manner to the commander of the headquarters or head of the office and marked for the attention of the individual.

h. Press Releases Based on Coded Messages. Personnel authorized to prepare information to be made public will constantly bear in mind that such material may be of great value to enemy or potential enemy signal intelligence services. The clear text of cryptographed messages will never be released verbatim, but will be carefully paraphrased before being released to the public, unless they have been transmitted in a cryptosystem not requiring such protection and are marked to indicate that they may be handled as correspondence of similar classification. In addition, appropriate declassification action will be accomplished before release.

i. Rescission. Classified documents which have been rescinded or superseded will be afforded the protection required for their category until destroyed.

16. Loss or Subjection to Compromise:

a. Reporting. Any person, civilian or military, who has knowledge of the loss or possible subjection to compromise of classified defense information, or release or disclosure of classified information to any unauthorized person, will promptly report the circumstances to his immediate superior or commander, who in turn will determine and notify by the fastest means available:

(1) The headquarters of office having primary interest in the information (normally, the headquarters or office of issue).

(2) The commander responsible for the custody of the material, unless the commander originally receiving the report has custodial responsibility.

b. Action by Responsible Commanders:

(1) The commander having custodial responsibility will:

(a) Make or cause to be made a complete and thorough inquiry or investigation of the circumstances. If the circumstances concerning a reported loss or subjection to compromise of classified information indicate that an extensive or complex investigation is required, the responsible commander may refer the case, with all available facts, to the OSI District Office servicing the command concerned for necessary investigative attention and submission of report to him.

(b) Fix responsibility for the loss or subjection to compromise, and take such action as may be necessary, including such disciplinary action as may be warranted in individual cases. Whenever possible, responsibility should be fixed upon a person rather than upon the title of his position or an office.

(2) In those cases where custodial responsibility for the information cannot be determined or appears to rest with two or more activities, the commander having primary interest in the information involved will make or cause to be made the inquiry or investigation prescribed in (1) above.

(3) In addition to action required in (1) above, the report of investigation, together with approved recommendations and a statement of any disciplinary or other action taken, will be forwarded through channels to the Chief of Staff, USAF, for such further action as may be appropriate, except as indicated in (4) below. Reports of investigation will include details as to the nature of the information involved, its classification (Top Secret, Secret, or Confidential), and if known, the agency having interest therein.

(4) Whenever the facts developed in accordance with action taken as prescribed in (1) above show that the loss or subjection to compromise resulted directly from enemy action or occurred in the performance of a tactical mission during combat operations, that the possession or location of the classified matter at the place or area where the incident occurred was absolutely necessary (see paragraph 8h), and that the loss or subjection to compromise was unavoidable, the commander of the major air command concerned may act as the reviewing authority and make final disposition of the report of investigation. The authority to review and make final disposition of reports of investigation in such cases may be delegated to subordinate commanders by commanders of major air commands.

(5) Action to be taken with respect to the loss or subjection to compromise of classified matter originating in the Army, Navy, or other governmental agency will be as prescribed above, except that whenever the commander responsible for the custody of such material cannot be determined, the commander originally having knowledge of the loss or subjection to compromise will so inform the agency of primary interest or issue, and will forward through military channels a report of the available facts to the Chief of Staff, USAF, for such further action as may be appropriate.

c. Cryptomaterial. For additional instructions, see paragraph 50b.

d. "Restricted Data." For additional instructions, see paragraph 61.

e. Disciplinary Action. The unauthorized disclosure or release of classified information by any individual, including a commander, key civilian or military executive, contractor or contractor employee, will be treated in every instance under disciplinary procedures authorized by law or administrative regulations.

17. Violations Not Involving Compromise. Violations by individuals of the provisions of directives pertaining to the safeguarding of classified information, not involving compromise of the security of such information, will be acted upon by commanders of personnel involved. In such instances, appropriate corrective measures, including such disciplinary action as may be warranted in individual cases, will be taken by the proper commander without report thereof to other authority except as may be required by other regulations, provisions of law, or higher authority in specific instances. Commanders or chiefs of offices who receive classified matter which shows improper handling by the activity from which received should promptly advise the head of that activity or individual office of the facts.

18. Reports Control Symbol and Supply of Forms:

a. Reports Control Symbol. Except as otherwise provided in this Regulation, reports referred to are exempt from requirements of Reports Control Symbols in accordance with paragraph 9b(l), (10), or (13)(h), AFR 174-1, 9 August 1951.

b. Supply of Forms: The following forms are available through normal supply channels: