Sensitive and Classified Mission Programs

While Civil Air Patrol (CAP) does not typically conduct or support missions classified at secret or higher levels, it regularly engages in sensitive missions. CAP supports customers by providing crucial mission data, and in some cases, these results contribute to classified missions. CAP members must be familiar with classification definitions and the associated access and guidance requirements outlined below.

Classification Definitions

These definitions are based on DoD Directive 5200-1. Refer to this directive for detailed information on higher classifications if necessary.

Unclassified Controlled Information: This category includes information that requires protection, even though it is unclassified. Examples include:
- For Official Use Only (FOUO)
- Sensitive But Unclassified (SBU) (formerly Limited Official Use)
- Law Enforcement Sensitive (LES)
- DEA Sensitive Information
- Information covered under the Computer Security Act of 1987
Communications Security (COMSEC): COMSEC refers to protective measures for telecommunications, including cryptosecurity, emission security, transmission security, and the physical security of communications materials (e.g., CAP radio frequencies).
Information Security: This is the system of policies, procedures, and requirements to protect information that could reasonably be expected to cause damage to national security if disclosed without authorization.

Access and "Need to Know"

Access: Access to sensitive or classified information is based on a proper security clearance or background investigation granted by CAP, DoD, or another law enforcement agency. A signed non-disclosure agreement (NDA) may also be required.
Need to Know: Only CAP members who are directly involved in a mission and authorized by a customer or tasking agency will be granted access to sensitive information. This ensures that mission details are shared only with those who need it to fulfill their responsibilities.

Sensitive Information Handling

Close Hold/Sensitive Information:
Information that is unclassified but must be safeguarded because its release could compromise ongoing operations. Members are required to safeguard such information to prevent accidental or deliberate disclosure.
Classified Missions:
While CAP does not designate missions as classified, it supports missions that may be labeled as Sensitive but Unclassified or Close Hold by the requesting agency. These classifications are provided by the tasking agency, not by CAP.

Guidance for Handling Classified and Sensitive Information

In accordance with DoD Directive 5200-1, CAP members must adhere to specific guidelines for handling classified and sensitive materials:

Access: Only CAP members with proper clearance and a need to know will have access to classified information. Members working on sensitive missions will primarily handle Unclassified Sensitive, For Official Use Only, Law Enforcement Sensitive, or DEA Sensitive information.
Marking of Documents: Documents and emails containing sensitive mission information must be clearly marked. For example:
- Unclassified documents with DEA/Law Enforcement Sensitive information should be labeled "DEA or Law Enforcement Sensitive" at the top and bottom of the document.
- For Official Use Only (FOUO) documents should be marked similarly.

CAP Personnel with Existing Security Clearances

Some CAP members hold security clearances through their full-time jobs with DoD or other federal agencies. While CAP missions rarely require security clearances, some customers may prefer to use members with valid clearances for specific missions. CAP provides tools within eServices for members to input their clearance details for validation by CAP-USAF.

Submitting Security Clearance Information: Members with current and valid security clearances can log into eServices, select Review/Edit My Info, and submit their clearance information (Agency, Type, Date of investigation). Non-DoD agency clearances must be verified by CAP-USAF after contacting the appropriate Federal Agency.