Pentagon's Classification System Lacks Consistency, IG Finds

The Defense Department did not adequately develop or maintain security classification guides based on existing policies which could lead to inconsistency and over- or under-classification of similar information across programs, according to a recent inspector general report. 

The report comes as lawmakers continue to criticize the Defense Department’s tendency to “over classify” information and its impact. 

The inspector general wrote that inaccurate or incomplete security classification guides “increase the risk” of over- or under-classification due to incorrect interpretation or application. The result can mean similar information is inconsistently classified across programs or information isn’t declassified in a timely manner, according to the report which was publicly released June 23. 

“Over-classification can result in a lack of insight and transparency concerning DoD programs. Under-classification can result in unauthorized disclosure of classified information that can inform threat actors about critical DoD programs and systems,” the document states. 

“If immediate actions are not taken to address issues identified in this report, the DoD increases the risk of unauthorized disclosure of classified information and the potential for threat actors to gain unauthorized access to information about critical programs and systems.”

The inspector general’s top recommendation was for the undersecretary of defense for intelligence and security to direct defense component heads to account for and immediately review all security classification guides in their purview. The IG also recommended reviewing the guides at least once every five years, updating as needed.