CLASSIFIED  MATERIAL  CONTROL The  system  of  classifying  and  handling  information and equipment is designed to prevent a potential or present  enemy  from  using  our  own  developments against us. The security classification of equipment or correspondence  is  assigned  on  the  basis  of  the  potential damage  that  could  result  if  the  information  were available to foreign nationals. Handling and storage are also  affected  in  that  the  higher  classifications  require progressively  more  protection. AKs are often assigned to billets that require access to classified information and equipment and should, therefore,   be   prepared   to   handle   them   in   strict accordance  with  the  security  regulations. The  objective  of  this  section  is  to  develop  an awareness  of  security  requirements  regarding  classified material   and   equipment.   The   latest   edition   of OPNAVINST   5510.1,   Department   of   the   Navy Information   and   Personnel   Security   Program Regulation, should be consulted for current security requirements and regulations. Local command or area requirements  may  be  more  specific  or  expand  beyond Navywide requirements to meet local situations and should also be considered. Responsibility The   Chief   of   Naval   Operations   (CNO)   is responsible to the Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) for all policies relating to the maintenance of the security of all   classified   information   within   the   Naval Establishment.  Because  of  the  close  relationship  of counterintelligence  and  the  preservation  of  security,  the Director   of   Naval   Intelligence   (DNI)   has   been designated  as  the  officer  primarily  responsible  to  the CNO  for  the  protection  of  classified  information. Therefore,  the  Office  of  Naval  Intelligence  (ONI) formulates and distributes Navy policy that relates to the security of all classified information. Commanding officers are directly responsible for safeguarding  all  classified  information  within  their commands and are responsible for instructing their personnel  in  security  practices  and  procedures. Objective The objective of the orders and instructions that appear  in  OPNAVINST  5510.1  is  to  establish  a coordinated policy for the security of all information that  has  been  classified  in  the  interest  of  national defense. Information  that  requires  administrative  protection for  reasons  other  than  the  interests  of  national  defense is not considered as classified information and is not to be treated as such. The Security Principle The Department of Defense employs a security formula that is simple in principle. It is based on the theory   of   circulation   control—the   control   of   the dissemination  of  classified  information.  Therefore, knowledge or possession of classified information is permitted  only  to  those  who  actually  require  it  in  the performance of their duties, and then only after they have  been  granted  the  appropriate  security  clearances. The principle is generally referred to as a “need to know.” Classification Classified  information  is  official  information  that requires  protection  in  the  interest  of  national  defense  and that  is  classified  for  such  purpose  by  responsible classifying  authority.  Classified  material  is  any  matter, document, product, or substance on which classified information  is  recorded  or  embodied. The three categories of classification are Top Secret, Secret,  and  Confidential.  The  definitions  of  these categories are covered extensive] y in Basic Military Requirements, NAVEDTRA   12043,   and   the Department of the Navy Information and Personnel Security  Program  Regulation,  OPNAVINST  5510.1. Marking Classified Matter When it is determined that information or material should be assigned a classification, such information must  be  conspicuously  marked  as  described  in OPNAVINST 5510.1, chapter 9. Storage Procedures Classified material not in actual use or under direct personal observation must be stowed in the manner prescribed in chapter 5 of OPNAVINST 5510.1. This publication outlines the physical security standards and requirements  that  serve  as  a  uniform  guide  for determining  the  type  and  degree  of  protection  for classified material. These standards and requirements are  designed  to  provide  for  flexibility  as  well  as adequacy  in  the  physical  security  program. 1-15