§ 159a.80 - Policy.

It is the policy of the Department of Defense to use the security classification categories and the applicable sections of E.O. 12356 and its implementing ISOO Directive, to limit access to classified information on a “need-to-know” basis to personnel who have been determined to be trustworthy. It is further policy to apply the “need-to-know” principle in the regular system so that there will be no need to resort to formal Special Access Programs. Also, need-to-know control principles shall be applied within Special Access Programs. In this context, Special Access Programs may be created or continued only on specific showing that:

(a) Normal management and safeguarding procedures are not sufficient to limit “need-to-know” or access; and

(b) The number of persons who will need access will be reasonably small and commensurate with the objective of providing extra protection for the information invoved.