For Official Use Only

For Official Use Only (FOUO)

For Official Use Only (FOUO) is a document designation, not a classification. This designation is used by Department of Defense and a number of other federal agencies to identify information or material which, although unclassified, may not be appropriate for public release.

Classification Definitions

These definitions are quoted from DoD Directive 5200-1. Refer to the DoD Directive if information on higher classifications if needed.

Unclassified controlled information shall be applied to information that requires protection for types of information that require application of controls and protective measures for a variety of reasons. Type of information that fall within this category include "For Official Use Only" information, "Sensitive But Unclassified" (formerly "Limited Official Use") information, “Law Enforcement Sensitive”, "Sensitive Information" as defined in the Computer Security Act of 1987, and information contained in technical documents.

Communications Security (COMSEC)

The protection resulting from all measures designed to deny unauthorized persons information of value that might be derived from the possession and study of telecommunications and to ensure the authenticity of such communications. COMSEC includes cryptosecurity, emission security, transmission security, and physical security of COMSEC material and information. i.e. – CAP radio frequencies

Information Security

The system of policies, procedures, and requirements established under the authority of E.O. 12958 to protect information that, if subjected to unauthorized disclosure, could reasonably be expected to cause damage to the national security.

Access

The ability and opportunity to obtain knowledge of classified information, unclassified sensitive information, LE Sensitive, DEA Sensitive, etc. The proper clearance and/or background investigation granted by DoD, Law Enforcement Agency, CAP, etc will be needed for access. Agencies may require CAP members to sign a binding non-disclosure agreement before granting members access.

Need to know

CAP members who have been authorized by a customer/tasking agency, posses the proper access level, and designated CAP authority will be granted access to unclassified or classified mission information. The customer may restrict CAP personnel who have a need to know. Member’s involvement in a particular mission will determine need to know. i.e. – IC working a sensitive mission. Mission information will not be shared with personnel that do not have a “need to know”.

Close Hold/Sensitive

Mission information that is unclassified but must be safeguarded. Loss of Close Hold or Sensitive information would compromise ongoing operations for a supported agency. Members will safeguard Close Hold/Sensitive unclassified information to prevent deliberate or accidental disclosure.

Classified missions will receive their designation from the request/tasking agency and not designated or derived by CAP. CAP may designate an unclassified mission as Sensitive but Unclassified or Close Hold. Requesting agencies may designate a mission Law Enforcement Sensitive, DEA Sensitive, or Sensitive Information.