intelligence community classification and control markings implementation

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Intelligence Community Classification Intelligence Community Classification and Control Markings and Control Markings

ImplementationImplementation

Counterintelligence and Security

Awareness Training Team301-227-2795

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This briefing is UNCLASSIFIED. Any markings contained in this

briefing are for training purposes only.

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UNCLASSIFIEDU.S. INTELLIGENCE U.S. INTELLIGENCE

COMMUNITYCOMMUNITY

The Intelligence Community and the Department of Defense (DoD) increasingly depend upon machine based processing of intelligence information. Consequently we need standardized machine-readable security markings to facilitate interoperability and improved Information Security processes. The government moved closer to this goal of interoperability and greater protection of intelligence information with the approval of a standard Classification and Control Markings Register.

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The 30 June 1998 signing of DCID 1/7 mandated a new classification marking system for the Intelligence Community and the Department of Defense. This system uses a uniform list of security classification and control markings authorized for all dissemination of classified information by components of the United States Government. This list comprises the Control Markings Register.

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UNCLASSIFIEDAuthorized Classification and Authorized Classification and Control Markings RegisterControl Markings Register

• Compiles authorized marking and abbreviations - Omits agency-unique markings - Omits sensitive markings

The Control Markings Register was approved by senior managers of each Intelligence Community agency. It is maintained by the Controlled Access Program Coordination Office (CAPCO) of the Community Management Staff (CMS). The register’s use is mandated by the revised DCID 1/7 which was signed June 30, 1998. It includes a list of the authorized terms that may be used to mark classified materials and also prescribes the exact format for their display. Omitted from the register are certain agency-unique and sensitive markings.

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UNCLASSIFIEDAuthorized Classification and Authorized Classification and Control Markings RegisterControl Markings Register

•Softcopy Location - - DIA homepage/DIA Security Information - http://www.cms.ic.gov/capco (Intelink TS) - http://www.cms.cia.sgov/capco (Intelink S)

The Authorized Classifications and Control Markings Register and the Intelligence Community Classification and Control Markings Implementation Manual is available at several locations including the CAPCO home page on Intelink.

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BackgroundBackgroundOne of the findings of a 1996 senior manager’s

meeting was that every government agency had their own method for marking classified information. This did not present a problem in the past because agencies tended to create, mark, and use information within their agency. However, as we moved toward an age of greater cooperation between agencies it became evident that a more uniform method of marking classified information was required. Congress called for greater interoperability between government Automated Information Systems and this was reflected in the revised Director of Central Intelligence Directive(DCID)signed on 30 June 1998. This DCID 1/7 called for the creation of a control markings register that lists all the markings authorized to mark a classified document.

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BackgroundBackground

In an 8 September 1998 memorandum, the Director for Intelligence Affairs created the Control Register Markings Working Group. A group composed of representatives from across the IC and DoD to create and implement the new marking standard defined in DCID 1/7.

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• Hard Copy -- 1 October 1999– Word Processed/Hard Copy– Web Pages– Viewgraphs– E-Mail Attachments

• AIS -- Early 2001

DCID 1/7DCID 1/7

The new marking system is being implemented in two phases. During Phase I, employees will apply the markings to hard copy and word processed information including memoranda, new WEB pages, presentations, correspondence, spreadsheets, graphics, and email attachments. Eventually, automated information systems such as databases, cables, and software-driven templates will be modified to support the new marking requirements.

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DEFENSE MESSAGING SYSTEMDEFENSE MESSAGING SYSTEM

• Replaces DoD Message Systems

• Fully Operational in early 2001

• Full Interoperability

• Mandates full compliance

The driving force behind this change is the Defense Messaging System. It will be fully operational in mid to late 2001. Once it is operational it will replace all present (AUTODIN, SOCOM, etc.) means of communication.

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UNCLASSIFIEDIC Classification and Control IC Classification and Control Markings Implementation ManualMarkings Implementation Manual

Major Changes Include:

• Classification line includes up to seven categories of information

• Use slashes, hyphens, commas, and spaces as separators• Three - letter country codes• Marking unclassified documents

TOP SECRET//COMINT-GAMMA/TK//FGI CAN GBR//RSEN,ORCON,REL TO USA, CAN and GBR//COMSEC//X1

• This system uses three letter designations for country codes. The country codes are extracted from the ISO 3166 Country Code Listing.

• It is optional to mark UNCLASSIFIED on the top and bottom of documents which are UNCLASSIFIED and bear no other control markings, such as FOUO.

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Major Changes Include:• Classification line includes up to seven categories of information

• Use slashes, hyphens, commas, and spaces as separators• Three - letter country codes• Marking unclassified documents


• The first change that you will notice under this new system is the classification line at the top and bottom of each page of a classified document or of an unclassified document which either has other control markings or is being transmitted electronically. All elements of the classification line and of the portion markings always use uppercase letters.

• The different elements of the classification line are separated by slashes and further separated by hyphens, commas, and spaces.

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Seven Categories of Classification and Control Markings1. U.S. Classification2. Non-U.S. Classification3. SCI Control System/Codeword4. Foreign Government Information5. Dissemination Controls6. Non-Intelligence Community Markings7. Declassification Date


The classification line may contain up to seven categories of information. The specified U.S. classification or Non-U.S. classification portion of the classification line at the top and bottom of the page must be spelled out in full and in English and may not be abbreviated. Any other information included on the classification line may be spelled out or abbreviated unless directed by component policy.

1 -2 3 4 5 6 7

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General GuidanceGeneral Guidance

• Classification Line --- Top and bottom- All uppercase letters- Classification spelled out

• Only fields that apply to material are represented in classification line• List markings in order shown in Registry and Manual


The classification line may contain up to seven categories of information. The specified U.S. classification or Non-U.S. classification portion of the classification line at the top and bottom of the page must be spelled out in full and in English and may not be abbreviated. Any other information included on the classification line may be spelled out or abbreviated unless directed by component policy.

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• Categories (fields) separated by double right slash (//)• Limited to one entry in these fields:

- Classification- Non-U.S. Classification- Declassification Date


The pertinent caveats from each category in the Register form a field in the classification line or portion marking. Fields are always separated by a double right slash.

Only one entry may appear in the Classification and Declassification Date fields.

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Multiple entries in fields• SCI control systems separated by single right slash (/) • Codewords within system separated by hyphen (-) with no

interjected space • Dissemination controls separated by a comma (,) with no

interjected space • Non-Intel Community Markings separated by a comma (,)


Multiple entries may be used in the SCI Control System, Dissemination Control, and Non-Intelligence Community Marking categories if the entries are applicable to the document. If multiple entries are used within a field, they are listed in the order in which they appear in the Register and the Implementation Manual. For multiple SCI Control System entries, use a single right slash as the separator between the individual SCI Control System entries.

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Multiple entries in fields• SCI control systems separated by single right slash (/) • Codewords within system separated by hyphen (-) with

no interjected space • Dissemination controls separated by a comma (,) with

no interjected space • Non-Intel Community Markings separated by a

comma (,)


Use a comma with no space interjected as the the separator between multiple Dissemination Control or multiple Non-Intelligence Community Markings entries.

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General GuidanceGeneral GuidancePortion Markings

• Mark every portion at beginning of portion

• Use same separators as in classification line

• Assume unmarked portion to be classified at the overall classification level

(S) This paragraph would contain information that would cause serious damage to the U.S if disclosed to unauthorized persons.

(TS) This paragraph would contain information that could cause exceptionally grave damage to the U.S. if disclosed to unauthorized persons.

TOP SECRET//X1

TOP SECRET//X1

• This system introduces, for the first time, a standardized set of portion markings. Portion markings are to be included at the beginning of the respective portion and enclosed in parentheses. Standard marking separators (i.e., slashes, hyphens, commas, etc.) are to be used where necessary.

• Every portion (including the title) shall be portion marked on all classified documents. Unclassified documents which bear any control markings shall also be portion marked.

• Portion markings shall always be placed at the beginning of portions. This position affords maximum visibility to the reader

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General GuidanceGeneral GuidancePortion Markings

• Mark every portion at beginning of portion

• Use same separators as in classification line

• Assume unmarked portion to be classified at the overall classification level

(S) This paragraph would contain information that would cause serious damage to the U.S if disclosed to unauthorized persons.


TOP SECRET//X1

TOP SECRET//X1

• Portion markings shall be enclosed in parentheses

• Portion markings will utilize the same separators as are used for the classification markings at the top and bottom of the page

• In classified documents or in unclassified documents which bear any control markings, the unclassified portions which do not require any control markings will always be marked with (U)

• When appropriate, portion markings may be less restrictive than the markings at the top and bottom of the page.

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•Other classified document markings remain the same•Unclassified Documents

• Transmitted electrically • Bears other control markings (e.g. FOUO) • Hardcopy - marking optional

An UNCLASSIFIED document which either has other control markings or is being transmitted electronically must contain a classification line. However, it is optional to mark UNCLASSIFIED on the top and bottom of documents which are UNCLASSIFIED and bear no other markings, such as FOUO.

Other classified markings not contained in the register or the implementation manual such as the classification block, working papers, etc. remain the same.

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1. Classification Markings1. Classification Markings

• Spelled out in full in uppercase• Four choices

• TOP SECRET• SECRET• CONFIDENTIAL• UNCLASSIFIED

• Requires declassification entry


• There are still three U.S.classifications – TOP SECRET, SECRET, and CONFIDENTIAL. The difference is now there are times when you will have to mark an UNCLASSIFIED document. The classification line must be spelled out in full and may not be abbreviated in the classification line. If the classification is TOP SECRET, SECRET, or CONFIDENTIAL, there must be a Declassification Date Entry.

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Classification Markings - ExampleClassification Markings - Example


TOP SECRET//X1

TOP SECRET//X1

This is an example of a document containing

TOP SECRET U.S. information.

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2. Non-U.S. Classification Markings2. Non-U.S. Classification Markings

• Used by other countries and international organizations

• Must be listed in Registry• Currently: NATO, SFOR

• Always begins with double right slash (//)• Must use ISO 3166 trigraph country code


Non-U.S. Classification markings are used by other countries and international organizations. Currently, the only Non-U.S. classification Markings contained in the Register are from NATO countries and Special Forces. The Classification Line will always begin with // when using Non-U.S. Classification Markings.

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Non-U.S. Classification MarkingsNon-U.S. Classification Markings• Authorized Non-U.S. classification and

abbreviations:• TOP SECRET (TS)• SECRET(S)• CONFIDENTIAL (C)• RESTRICTED (R)• UNCLASSIFIED (U)

• Must be spelled out in English

There are five authorized Non-U.S. classifications: TOP SECRET, SECRET, CONFIDENTIAL, RESTRICTED and UNCLASSIFIED. When used in the classification line they must be spelled out in English.

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Non-U.S. Classification Markings ExampleNon-U.S. Classification Markings Example

This is an example of a German Secret document. The classification line begins with the double // and the declassification exemption code is always X5 when referring to Non-U.S. classified documents.//DEU SECRET//X5

1. (//DEU S) This is theportion marking for aportion which is wholly ofGerman Secret origin.

2. (U) DeclassificationExemption 5 applies.

//DEU SECRET//X5

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3. SCI Control System and Codewords3. SCI Control System and Codewords

• Three systems used in Registry• BYE• COMINT (SI)• Talent Keyhole

• Multiple System Entries• Separated by single right slash (/)• Listed in order in Registry


The next category of information is the Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) Control Systems/Codewords category. An SCI Control System is the system of procedural protective mechanisms used to regulate or guide each program established by the DCI as SCI. A Control System provides the ability to exercise restraint, direction, or influence over or provide that degree of access control or physical protection necessary to regulate, handle or manage information or items within an approved program. The three SCI Control Systems included in the register are: BYE, COMINT and TALENT KEYHOLE.

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3. SCI Control System and Codewords3. SCI Control System and Codewords

• Three systems used in Registry• BYE• COMINT (SI)• Talent Keyhole

• Multiple System Entries• Separated by single right slash (/)• Listed in order in Registry


If more than one SCI Control System is applicable to the document, they are listed in the order in which they appear in the Register. That is, in the order BYE, COMINT,TALENT KEYHOLE.

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SCI Control System and Codewords - ExampleSCI Control System and Codewords - Example

(TS//SI-G/TK) This paragraph contains TS GAMMA and TALENT KEYHOLE. Multiple control systems are separated by a single slash.

NOTE: May use SI or COMINT in overall marking.

TOP SECRET//COMINT-GAMMA/TK//X1

TOP SECRET//COMINT-GAMMA/TK//X1

Multiple SCI Control Systems are separated by single right slashes. For example, if the classified information falls within BYE, COMINT and TALENT KEYHOLE control systems, then the SCI control system part of the classification line would appear as: BYE/COMINT/TALENT KEYHOLE or BYE/SI/TK.

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SCI Control System and CodewordsSCI Control System and Codewords

• Sub-Control Systems/Codewords• COMINT

- GAMMA- UMBRA- SPOKE- MORAY

• Talent Keyhole- ZARF

* Deleted by Oct 12, 1999, NSA Cable

In a Oct 12, 1999 NSA Cable, the SCI Control Systems/Codewords were deleted. The only Sub-Control System remaining is GAMMA. If GAMMA is applicable, it is listed after the marking “COMINT” with a hyphen separating the term “COMINT” from the Sub-Control Control System/Codeword.

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4. Foreign Government Information4. Foreign Government Information

• Use when FGI is included in U.S.-controlled document• Separate multi-country information into separate

paragraphs• Use FGI + ISO 3166 trigraphic country codes• Internet: ftp.ripe.net/iso3166-country codes


Foreign Government Information markings are used in U.S. controlled documents which contain controlled information of Non-U.S. origin. It is information provided to the United States Government by a foreign government or governments or information produced by the U.S. as part of a joint agreement with a foreign government. Use “FGI plus the ISO trigraphic country code. A document containing FGI must keep the FGI segregated form U.S. classified portions. If the document contains FGI information from more than one country, keep the FGI from each individual country in separate portions.

Foreign Government Information markings are used in U.S. controlled documents which contain controlled information of Non-U.S. origin. It is information provided to the United States Government by a foreign government or governments or information produced by the U.S. as part of a joint agreement with a foreign government. Use “FGI plus the ISO trigraphic country code. A document containing FGI must keep the FGI segregated form U.S. classified portions. If the document contains FGI information from more than one country, keep the FGI from each individual country in separate portions.

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Foreign Government InformationForeign Government Information• List country codes in alphabetical order, separated by single space• Substitute “FGI” where specific government must be concealed

Foreign Government Information markings are used in U.S. controlled documents which contain controlled information of Non-U.S. origin. It is information provided to the United States Government by a foreign government or governments or information produced by the U.S. as part of a joint agreement with a foreign government. Use “FGI” plus the ISO trigraphic country code. A document containing FGI must keep the FGI segregated from U.S. classified portions. If the document contains FGI information from more than one country, keep the FGI from each individual country in separate portions.

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UNCLASSIFIEDForeign Government Information Foreign Government Information ExampleExample

SECRET//FGI CAN DEU//X5

1. (//DEU S) This portion contains only German Secret information.

2. (//CAN S) This portion contains Canadian Secret information.

3. (//FGI S) This portion contains FGI that must be concealed.

4. (S) This portion contains U.S. Secret information.

SECRET//FGI CAN DEU//X5

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5. Dissemination Control Markings5. Dissemination Control Markings• Authorized Markings/Abbreviations

• Use only those listed in Registry (some are restricted to specific agency use)

• List multiple controls in order in Registry

• Separate multiple controls with a comma, with no space between; e.g., ORCON, PROPIN


• Dissemination Controls are control markings which identify the expansion or limitation on the distribution of information. Some Dissemination Controls are restricted to use by certain Agencies. The inclusion of these markings in the Register does not authorize use of these markings by other Agencies. Multiple entries may be chosen from this Dissemination Control category if applicable. If multiple entries are used, they are listed in the order in which they appear in the Register and the Implementation Manual. Use a comma with no space interjected as the separator between multiple Dissemination Control entries.

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Dissemination Control MarkingsDissemination Control Markings

• Authorized for Release to (REL TO)

– Must include USA as first country

– Other countries listed in alphabetic order

– Separated by a comma and a space

– Last code separated by a space, lowercase “and” and a space

– NOFORN takes priority over REL TO in page and overall markings


• REL TO identifies information that an originator has predetermined to be releasable or has been released, through established foreign disclosure procedures and channels, to the foreign country (ies) indicated. REL TO must include country code “USA” as the first country code listed for U.S. classified information. Other countries follow in alphabetical order with each country code separated by a comma and a space with the last country code separated by a space, a lower case “and”, and a space.

• When a document contains both NF and REL TO portions, NOFORN takes precedence for the markings at the top and bottom of the page.

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Dissemination Control MarkingsDissemination Control Markings

• Authorized for Release to … (cont.)

– Portion Marking -

• REL (if countries are same as in classification line)

• REL TO (if countries are different)

When portion marking, countries do not need to be listed unless they are different from the countries listed in the REL TO at top and bottom of page. If countries are different, the portion marking has the same format as the Authorized Abbreviation listed above.

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UNCLASSIFIEDSECRET//REL TO USA and AUS//X1

(U) Example - Use of

Authorized for Release to Marking

1. (S//REL) This is the portion marking for a portion classified Secret and authorized for release to Australia (same as page marking). The entire document must be releasable to the specified countries in order to use this marking in the overall classification marking.

2. (S//REL TO USA, AUS and NATO) This is the portion marking for a portion classified Secret authorized for release to Australia and NATO (different from the page or overall marking).

SECRET//REL TO USA and AUS//X1

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• Restricted to use by certain agencies

• Use comma to separate multiple non-intel markings

• List in the order shown in Register

• Separate multiple markings with a comma, with no spaces

• LIMDIS -- NIMA

• Example -- UNCLASSIFIED//LIMDIS

66. . Non-Intelligence Community MarkingsNon-Intelligence Community MarkingsTOP SECRET//COMINT-GAMMA/TK//FGI CAN GBR//RSEN,ORCON,REL TO USA, CAN and GBR//COMSEC//X1

Non-Intelligence Community markings are markings authorized for use by entities outside of the Intelligence Community. If multiple Non-Intelligence Community Markings apply to the document, they are listed in the order shown in the Register or the Manual and separated from one another by commas, with no spaces interjected. Some Non Intelligence Community Markings are restricted to use by certain Agencies. If multiple entries are used, they are listed in the order that they appear in the Register or the Manual. Use a comma to separate multiple entries.

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7. 7. DECLASSIFICATION DATEDECLASSIFICATION DATE

• Required for all classified documents

• Limited to one exemption on classification line

• Show multiple exemptions in classification block

• Declassification Date Markings

– Date

– Exemption Category

– Manual Review (MR)


• The Declassification Date must be included for any classified document. No declassification date entry is given for an unclassified document.

• Under Executive Order 12958, at the time of original classification, the Original Classification Authority must try to establish a specific date or event, not to exceed 10 years, when the information may be declassified. Information whose declassification could reasonably be expected to cause damage to national security for a period greater than 10 years may qualify for a declassification exemption.

• The Declassification Date Markings included in the Register are: Date, Exemption Category, and Manual Review.

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7. 7. DECLASSIFICATION DATEDECLASSIFICATION DATE

Declassification upon a Date

– Use year, month, day

– Use 4-number year (e.g. 2010)

– YYYYMMDD - 20101022


If the information is to be declassified on a specific date, the date is listed in YYYYMMDD format.

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Declassification DateDeclassification Date

Declassification Exemptions– Exemption category (e.g. X1)– EO 12958 exemption categories

At the time of original classification, the original classification authority may exempt from declassification within 10 years specific information, the unauthorized disclosure of which could reasonably be expected to cause damage to the national security for a period greater than 10 years. There are eight exemption categories - X1 through X8.

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Declassification DateDeclassification DateDeclassification Exemptions

– Exemption category (e.g. 25X1)

– EO 12958 exemption categories

Within 5 years from the date of EO 12958, all classified information contained in records that (1) are more than 25 years old, and (2) have been determined to have permanent historical value will be automatically declassified whether or not the records have been reviewed. Subsequently, all classified information in such records will be automatically declassified no longer than 25 years from the date of its original classification. This information may exempted from declassification by an agency head. There are nine 25-year exemption categories and are defined as 25X1 through 25X9.

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Declassification DateDeclassification Date• Manual Review (MR)

– Decl. Based on specific event

– Decl. On “Source Marked OADR”

– Restricted Data and FRD

– NATO classified informationNOTE: MR is used only in classification line at the top and bottom of page. Never used in the classification block.

If the information is to be declassified on the occurrence of a specific event, the declassification date entry is listed as MR in the classification line. The full textual description of the event must be specified in the classification block on the front page of the document.

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Counterintelligence and Security Awareness Training Team

MSST301-227-2795