Security Classifications
Preface
This document is dedicated to all the men and women who are involved with ensuring the national security of the United States.
The following information was derived from these sources:
Body of Secrets by James Bamford.
Wizards of Langley by Jeffrey T. Richelson.
Top Secret Tourism by Harry Helms.
The Bureau by Ronald Kessler.
Newsweek magazine articles.
Time magazine articles.
Although I have attempted to gather and arrange the data into a comprehensive, understandable format, any errors and omissions are mine and not attributable to
any other authors or works. This document was created prior to the reorganization of the intelligence community following 9/11, so in many respects, it is
out-of-date.
This paper is designed to provide basic information to persons wishing to enter the US Intelligence Community and those who desire a broader knowledge of it. This
paper is not intended to cover every aspect of the intel community.
Security Classifications
- Confidential
- Secret
- Top Secret
- Top Secret, Q clearance (nuclear weapons)
- Top Secret, Special Intelligence (intelligence operations)
Code Word Clearances
- Byeman - Satellite reconnaissance information from NRO
- M - The first initial of a codeword for sensitive operations
- Q - DOE-issued clearance for nuclear weapons information
- SI - Signals Intelligence: Access to decoded NSA intercepts
- TK - Talent Keyhole: Information about spy satellites
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- Other codeword compartmented clearance identifications are secret. They are referenced by one letter,
only.