Transmission and Transportation Flashcards

Transmission and Transportation of Classified Information

• Definition: Involves physical transfer of classified material from sender to recipient, utilizing both connective (cable, wire) and non-connective (radio, microwave, laser) methods.
• National Guidance: National-level policy influences command and activity-level procedures for protecting classified information during transmission and transportation.

Executive Orders and DoD Policies

• Executive Order 13526: Establishes a uniform system for classifying, safeguarding, and declassifying national security information.
• DoD Guidance: DoD Instruction 5200.01 and DoD Manual 5200.01 outline implementing guidance, including standards for transmitting and transporting classified information.

Contractor Regulations

• NISPOM (DoD 5220.22-M): Provides standards for transmitting and transporting classified information for contractors under the National Industrial Security Program.

Sender Responsibilities

• Sender's Authority: Prior to transmission, the sender must confirm the authority to share materials and the recipient's clearance and need-to-know.
• Storage Verification: Ensure recipient can securely store classified information, including checking facility capabilities and contacting security officials.

Transmission Considerations

• Classification Level: The method of transmission must align with the classification level of the information.
• Impact of Material Attributes: Size, weight, and type of material can dictate the best transmission method.
• Geographic and Time Factors: Consider geographic limitations, urgency, and dissemination restrictions when choosing a transmission method.

Authorized Transmission Methods

• Top Secret and Secret Guidelines: Methods authorized for transmitting Top Secret information are valid for lower classification levels; similar principle applies for Secret to Confidential materials.
• Methods for Top Secret: Direct contact, cryptographic systems, courier services, and diplomatic couriers are approved.

Security Systems and Networks

• Cryptographic Systems: Must be authorized by the Director of the National Security Agency and compliant with CNSSI No. 7003.
• Data Networks: Classified data can traverse systems like SIPRNET (up to Secret) and JWICS (up to Top Secret, SCI).

Courier Operations

• Official Courier Services: DCS and Department of State Diplomatic Courier Service manage secure classified document transmissions.
• Courier Responsibilities: Authorized personnel, including U.S. military and cleared contractors, may transmit classified material, ensuring secure storage arrangements at transit points.

Transport Protocols

• Modes of Transport: Surface and air (government-controlled or chartered) are allowed for classified materials.
• Custody Control: Classified information must remain under U.S. escort control during transport.

Special Categories of Information

• COMSEC: Designed to protect telecommunications. Requires approval by designated COMSEC custodians for transmission.
• Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI): Requires approval from local SCI security officials for transport.
• Special Access Programs (SAPs): Require heightened safeguarding and coordination for dissemination.

International Regulations and Guidelines

• Foreign Government Information (FGI): Protection level aligns with originating government standards, shared only through government channels.
• Third-Country Transfer: Requires prior written consent from the originating government before disclosing FGI to any third country.

Security Agreements and Procedures

• NATO Standards: The U.S. maintains separate security procedures for NATO classified information, ensuring recipient authorization before transmission.
• Regulatory Compliance: Various protocols and must be followed, including consulting appropriate security authorities before shipping FGI, SCI, COMSEC materials, or SAP information.

Courier Briefings and Documentation

• Courier Responsibilities: Briefings cover pre-trip, en route, and post-trip considerations, ensuring couriers understand security protocols.
• Documentation Checks: Couriers must verify personal travel documents before departing with classified materials and report any opened packages to relevant security officers.### Pre-Trip Considerations
• Ensure personal travel documents are valid and current.
• Maintain one copy of inventory; another copy goes to the security office.
• Obtain disclosure authorization if sharing classified information with foreign nationals.
• Understand packaging requirements for classified materials.
• Report any suspicious contacts or incidents immediately.

En Route Considerations

• Couriers are responsible for the security of all materials during transit.
• Protect materials in emergencies; utilize pre-arranged secure storage as needed.
• Do not discuss materials publicly or deviate from the authorized travel schedule.
• Avoid leaving materials unattended or unsecured; unauthorized storage methods are prohibited.
• Materials should not be opened en route, except as specified under official demands.

Border Crossing Procedures

• Present courier authorization orders if official inquiries arise.
• Request to speak directly to a senior official if necessary.
• If required to open a package, do so in the official's presence and away from public view.
• Ensure that the package is properly repackaged after inspection and get the senior official's signature.

Post-Trip Considerations

• A receipt may be necessary if the courier isn’t returning materials, signed by the receiving organization's security officer.
• Materials must be properly sealed for re-inventory if returning to the original facility.

Commercial Air Travel

• A letter of authorization is mandatory for travel on commercial airline flights.
• Use DD Form 2501 for travel not involving commercial airlines, or when hand-carrying is required.
• Neither DD Form 2501 nor a written authorization statement can authorize hand-carrying on commercial aircraft.

Letter of Authorization Requirements

• Must include the individual’s full name, employing agency, identification, and description of materials being transported.
• Specify the point of departure, destination, and any known transfer points.
• Include issue and expiration dates, the issuer’s name, title, signature, and contact information for verification.
• If foreign travel is involved, the letter must be translated into the country's official language.

Carrier Guidelines

• Prefer U.S. airlines for commercial air travel; foreign carriers may only be used when no U.S. carrier is available.
• Authorization for hand-carrying classified materials requires a favorable security determination, a signed non-disclosure agreement, a need-to-know justification, and a courier briefing.

Authorized Storage for Classified Materials

• Authorized facilities for overnight storage include U.S. military facilities, U.S. embassies, and cleared contractor facilities.

TSA Interactions

• Authorization letters may only be shown to TSA officials questioning the contents of the materials.

Document Handling

• Prevent direct contact between classified documents and the inner wrapper; use a cover sheet or cardboard to separate them.

Packaging Security

• Two layers of durable, opaque materials minimize accidental exposure and theft risk, while enhancing detection of tampering.