An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Safeguard, access, and release of information (Sharp Point # 02-11)

  • Published
  • By Gen. Walter Sharp
  • United Nations Command, Combined Forces Command and U.S. Forces Korea commander
YONGSAN GARRISON, Republic of Korea --  1. Many of you have seen media reporting that classified documents have been released without authorization through unclassified systems to various Internet websites. Unauthorized release of classified information is prohibited and, if conducted by a U.S. service-member, may be punishable under the Uniformed Code of Military Justice.

2. Anyone authorized to access classified information has the responsibility to ensure proper safeguards are used to prevent unauthorized release.

3. Classified information retains its classification even if that information is already posted on public websites or disclosed to the media. Classified information remains classified and must be treated as such until it is declassified by an appropriate U.S. Government authority. It is the responsibility of every US service-member, DoD employee, and DoD contractor to protect classified information and to follow established procedures for accessing classified information only through authorized means.

4. In accordance with Executive Order 13526, classified information shall not be declassified automatically as a result of any unauthorized disclosure and will remain classified until it is formally declassified by an appropriate authority. Therefore, if documents marked as classified appear on non-classified systems, the documents should be handled as classified documents unless properly declassified by proper authority. The unauthorized disclosure, unauthorized retention, or negligent handling of classified information may result in termination of security clearance, termination of employment, or prosecution.

5. All users of Department of Defense systems are prohibited from intentionally accessing, viewing, downloading, or printing classified documents from Internet websites. All personnel are directed to not confirm, deny, or comment to personnel who do not possess proper security clearance regarding classified or potentially classified documents which are detected in a non-secure or unauthorized environment. It is an individual responsibility to consistently follow proper security procedures.

6. Protecting information remains one of our most important missions and everyone has a responsibility to help safeguard access to classified information. Under paragraph 8 of the Acceptable Policy (18 September 2008 edition) for the Korea LandWar Net, violations of the agreement may be punitive in nature and punishable under Article 92 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice or other administrative or criminal statutes.

7. Commanders will ensure proper dissemination of this Sharp Point.

8. We Go Together!