SPECAT and SPECAT EXCLUSIVE FOR messages
must be at least Confidential. SPECAT SIOP-ESI
messages are always Top Secret. PSEUDO-SPECAT
messages are normally unclassified messages that
require limited distribution. Examples of
PSEUDO-SPECAT messages include AMCROSS
messages, urinalysis test results, and HIV test results.
SPECAT messages are handled only by those
personnel who are authorized by the commanding
officer in writing to view them. The types of
information assigned SPECAT and handling
procedures can be found in NWP 4 (NWP 6-01) and in
Fleet Communications (U), NTP 4, respectively.
PERSONAL FOR
PERSONAL FOR is the marking applied when
message distribution must be limited to the named
recipient. Only flag officers, officers in a command
status, or their designated representatives may originate
PERSONAL FOR messages.
NATO RESTRICTED
The United States does not have a security
classification equivalent to NATO RESTRICTED.
NATO messages classified as restricted must be
safeguarded in a manner similar to FOUO messages.
Messages originated by NATO must be handled in
accordance with NATO Security Procedures (U),
OPNAVINST C5510.101.
ALLIED RESTRICTED
The United States does not have a security
classification equivalent to ALLIED RESTRICTED.
However, these messages must be handled in the same
manner as Confidential messages. U.S.-originated
messages containing ALLIED RESTRICTED
information are marked as Confidential immediately
following the security classification.
MINIMIZE CONSIDERED
During an actual or simulated emergency, it may
become necessary to decrease the amount of record
and/or voice communications on military
telecommunications circuits. When this occurs, it is
called MINIMIZE. In essence, all messages that are not
urgent will not be transmitted. Those messages that
concern a mission or safety of life are considered
imperative and, therefore, require transmission during
minimize.
The same criteria pertaining to minimize conditions
noted earlier in this chapter still apply. The releasing
officer must review and decide on the messages merit,
which means the message will be sent, either
electrically or by another means. When a message is
released, it must include the words MINIMIZE
CONSIDERED and RELEASED BY.
Messages that will not be sent electrically during
minimim periods should be returned to the originator
with the reason for their return. Normally
nontransmitted messages will be sent via U.S. mail if
they meet established security guidelines.
JCS EMERGENCY ACTION MESSAGES
Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) Emergency Action
Messages (EAMs) contain key instructions or
information from high-level authority and have
predetermined formats (pro forma). Such messages are
transmitted by various communications systems and
normally carry FLASH (Z) precedence. They are vital
messages of an extremely time-sensitive nature, and
rapid processing is mandatory to achieve the fast
reaction required by their content. Usage and handling
procedures are issued by the JCS to those who have a
need to know.
SPECAT messages come in two variations. One
type includes both the general SPECAT and the
SPECAT Single Integrated Operational Plan
Extremely Sensitive Information (SPECAT SIOP-ESI).
This type of SPECAT message is associated with code
words or projects. For example, a Secret message
whose subject matter deals with a special project
entitled TACAMO would have a classification line
reading SECRET SPECAT TACAMO. SPECAT
SIOP-ESI messages are always classified Top Secret.
SPECAT (less SIOP-ESI) messages must be classified
at least Confidential.
The other type of SPECAT message is SPECAT
EXCLUSIVE FOR (SEF). SEF is used only within the
naval community for highly sensitive matters,
high-level policy, or when politically sensitive
information is to be passed only to a particular
individual. The classification line would then contain
the name of that individual. For example, a Secret
message destined exclusively for Admiral W. T. Door
would read:
SEF messages are reserved for use by flag officers
and officers in a command status. These messages are
not intended for use in operational matters, and they
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