Classification Levels
Once a decision to classify is made, information will be classified at one of the three levels listed below. The OCA
be able to identify or describe the damage that unauthorized disclosure reasonably could be expected to cause to the national security
- TOP SECRET
Information in which the unauthorized disclosure could reasonably be expected to cause exceptionally grave damage to the national security. - SECRET
Information in which the unauthorized disclosure could reasonably be expected to cause serious damage to the national security. - CONFIDENTIAL
Information in which the unauthorized disclosure could reasonably be expected to cause damage to the national security.
DISCLAIMER: The appearance of non-government information does not constitute endorsement by the U.S. Army.
Accessibility/Section 508
What damage does disclosure of confidential information cause?
Confidential Scientific or Technical Information
The only guidance provided by EO 12356 is that which is used to define the Confidential level -- that unauthorized disclosure of Confidential information reasonably could be expected to cause damage to the national security.
What level of damage can classified information cause?
be classified “Secret” its unauthorized disclosure could reasonably be expected to cause serious damage to the national security. This classification should be used sparingly. Examples of “ serious damage” include disruption of foreign relations significantly.
Which type of information can reasonably be expected to cause serious damage?
(b) Secret. Secret refers to that national security information or material which requires a substantial degree of protection, and shall be applied only to such information as the unauthorized disclosure of which could reasonably be expected to cause serious damage to the national security.