§ 159a.10 - Policies.

(a) Classification—(1) Basic Policy. Except as provided in the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, E.O. 12356, as implemented by the ISOO Directive No. 1, and this part, provides the only basis for classifying information. It is the policy of the Department of Defense to make available to the public as much information concerning its activities as possible consistent with the need to protect the national security. Accordingly, security classification shall be applied only to protect the national security.

(2) Resolution of Doubts. Unnecessary classification and higher than necessary classification should be avoided. If there is reasonable doubt about the need to classify information, it shall be safeguarded as if it were classsified “Confidential” pending a determination by an original classification authority, who shall make this determination within 30 days. If there is reasonable doubt about the appropriate level of classification, it shall be safeguarded at the higher level of classification pending a determination by an original classification authority, who shall make this determination within 30 days. Upon a classification determination, markings shall be applied in accordance with subpart E of this part.

(3) Duration. Information shall be classified as long as required by national security considerations. Each decision to classify requires a simultaneous determination of the duration such classification must remain in force or that the duration of classification cannot be determined.

(b) Declassification. Decisions concerning declassification shall be based on the loss of the information's sensitivity with the passage of time or upon the occurrence of a declassification event.

(c) Safeguarding. Information classified under this part shall be afforded the level of protection against unauthorized disclosure commensurate with the level of classification assigned under the varying conditions that may arise in connection with its use, dissemination, storage, movement or transmission, and destruction.