In the past few hours many of us have watched the discussion regarding classified documents & their appropriate storage.
— Mark Hertling (@MarkHertling) August 12, 2022
Since like most senior officers I had some experience in this area, I thought it would be helpful to provide some BASIC info.
So, this new 🧵is born! 1/21
CLASSIFIED is the lowest classification level. It's information that might "damage or disclose" an element of national security.
— Mark Hertling (@MarkHertling) August 12, 2022
Classified document may address particulars about a weapon system (e.g., max range of a missile) or #'s of soldiers deployed. 3/ pic.twitter.com/Z85H7VqFIS
Executive Order 13526 say:
— Mark Hertling (@MarkHertling) August 12, 2022
"TOP SECRET classification [is] applied to information, the unauthorized disclosure of which reasonably could be expected to cause exceptionally grave damage to the National Security that the original classification authority is able to identify" 5/ pic.twitter.com/tg0BGZZLGI
For the highest security clearances, people come to your door - and the door of those you list on your form, and your bosses, your teachers, your friends - and ask a lot of questions. There's also a criminal background check.
— Mark Hertling (@MarkHertling) August 12, 2022
The investigation can take months to complete. 7/ pic.twitter.com/P8wAcCeWxd
Now, there are add-ons, which we're hearing about now. I'll address two:
— Mark Hertling (@MarkHertling) August 12, 2022
SAPs or Special Access Programs.
-SCI or Sensitive Compartmented Information
9/
There are onerous access & security requirements, with only those who have a need to know gaining access. These programs are closely guarded with extreme measures of security, to include use of code words.
— Mark Hertling (@MarkHertling) August 12, 2022
Even mentioning those code words to those not read on is a violation.11/
SCI is classified information that comes from sensitive intelligence sources (people or systems), methods, or analytical processes.
— Mark Hertling (@MarkHertling) August 12, 2022
SCI is handled within formal access control systems established by the @ODNIgov .
Often, those with TOP SECRET Clearance also have TS-SCI. 13/ pic.twitter.com/DRb2VR5B6f
You'll often hear the word "SCIF" (Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility).
— Mark Hertling (@MarkHertling) August 12, 2022
That's a secure place where sensitive information can be viewed & discussed to prevent surveillance or spying.
SCIFs are permanent or temporary & usually require special locks and/or guards. 15/ pic.twitter.com/541nPMmMTw
There are other network, too, (e.g., NATO secret), but I won't get into those.
— Mark Hertling (@MarkHertling) August 12, 2022
(BTW, on my desk in Iraq, in a SCIF facility I had a regular computer & three other classified systems...and way too many emails to read late at night when I returned to the headquarters). 17/
What does a classified document look like? Here's a sanitized one, with markings.
— Mark Hertling (@MarkHertling) August 12, 2022
Red marks at top, each paragraph classified, each page numbered with the classification on top.
Note the "classification" and "declassification" block on the lower left. A bit on that...19/ pic.twitter.com/xpRQozyX4p
The reason the classifier also declassifies is a "process" must notify all others who are involved with the information...or who may be endangered by its release.
— Mark Hertling (@MarkHertling) August 12, 2022
Yes, technically, @potus can order declassification...but other people have to know & the date must be noted!!! 21/
