The classification Top Secret is limited to defense information or material that requires the highest degree of protection. The Top Secret classification is applied only to information or material that is paramount to national security and the unauthorized disclosure of which could reasonably be expected to cause exceptionally grave damage to the national security.

SECRET

Material classified as Secret is limited to defense information or material. The unauthorized disclosure of which could reasonably be expected to cause serious damage to the national security.

CONFIDENTIAL

Use of the classification Confidential is limited to national defense information or material, the unauthorized disclosure of which could reasonably be expected to cause damage to national security.

RESTRICTED DATA

The term Restricted Data as defined in the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 means all data concerning (1) the design, manufacture, or utilization of atomic weapons; (2) the production of special nuclear material; or (3) the use of special nuclear material in the production of energy.

The term Formerly Restricted Data applies to classified defense information which (a) has been removed from the Restricted Data category in order to conform with the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 and (b) cannot be released to foreign nationals except under specific international agreements.

Restricted Data and Formerly Restricted Data are NOT in themselves classification categories, but are additional warning notices of special handling requirements. Thus a classification category is used with the warning notice wherever it is appropriate.