Protection of Classified National Security Information

1.  Purpose. To emphasize the importance of 
protecting classified national security information (CNSI) as a 
critical aspect of unit and mission readiness.
2.  Background. In the wake of a highly publicized unauthorized 
disclosure of CNSI, the Secretary of Defense, via references A 
through D, directed a department-wide review of security programs, 
policies, and procedures to identify needed improvements to prevent
the unauthorized disclosure (UD) of CNSI.  The Marine Corps has 
completed its assessment and is implementing the necessary 
improvements to reduce the risk to missions, personnel, information
and infrastructure from the improper handling or UD of CNSI.  
2.a.  Protecting CNSI is an all-hands responsibility that 
encompasses leaders and supervisors at all echelons as well as the 
individual Marines, Sailors and Civilian Marines who have access to
CNSI.
2.b.  It is Marine Corps policy to prioritize the security of CNSI 
as a critical aspect of unit and mission readiness.  
3.  Execution. Marine leaders will regularly emphasize the 
importance of practicing all aspects of security including 
cybersecurity, operations and physical security, information 
security, personnel security and insider threat programs as it
pertains to safeguarding CNSI.  Annual online security training is a
valuable tool, but it is not a substitute for engaged leadership.  
Marine leaders are the key to inculcating a security-minded command 
culture by periodically addressing the risks to unit readiness from 
improperly handling CNSI  the same way safety is always emphasized 
prior to conducting live-fire training or before a long weekend.  
4.  Thank you for your leadership on this matter and for your 
continued diligence to improve and enhance the Marine Corps 
security posture.
5.  Release authorized by LtGen M. G. Carter, Headquarters Marine 
Corps, Deputy Commandant for Information.