Who has the authority to classify information as Top Secret, Secret, or Confidential?

The authority to classify information as Top Secret, Secret, or Confidential is vested in SECNAV (Secretary of the Navy) and other designated officials who are authorized to make such classifications. This aligns with the established protocols within the realm of national security and information management, where specific officials have been granted the privilege of determining the sensitivity of certain information.

SECNAV, as part of the Department of the Navy, plays a pivotal role in overseeing classification systems and ensuring that information is appropriately handled according to its sensitivity level. Additionally, authorized officials within the Navy and Marine Corps are specifically designated to classify or declassify information based on necessity and risk assessment.

This classification authority is critical to maintaining national security and ensuring that sensitive information is protected from unauthorized disclosure. By having clear lines of authority, the processes for classifying sensitive information are standardized and ensure that only those with the appropriate level of trust can make these determinations.