Fact Sheet – 88 ABW/PA Security and Policy Review
The Department of the Air Force is committed to transparency while safeguarding sensitive information. To achieve this balance, security and policy review is an ongoing effort to inform the public about the department's mission, operations, and programs; and to protect classified information, controlled unclassified sensitive information, and unclassified information that could compromise national and operational security. Before public release, a S&PR must be conducted by Public Affairs.
What needs a S&PR review:
Any material proposed for public release by non-PA personnel that mentions the Air Force, Space Force, Department of Defense, or any other government agency's plans, policies, programs, operations, budget, personnel, or activities. Examples include, but not limited to:
- Abstracts
- Briefing slides
- Dissertations
- Journal articles
- Manuscripts
- News releases
- Photos
- Presentation charts
- Speeches
- Technical papers
- Thesis/Dissertation
- Videos
Review Timeframes:
- Local Review. Allow at least 10 duty days for review once the material is submitted to PA. Exceptions are granted only in rare circumstances.
- Elevated Review. Allow up to 60 duty days for review once submitted to PA. Some complex material may require higher headquarters review (i.e. SAF/PA) and can take an additional 45-60 duty days as other federal agencies may have an equity in the decision to release. Authors should factor this into their planning. AFI 35-101, Attachment 3, "Triggers for Potential Elevation of Security and Review Cases"
- Rush Review. Cases requiring review in 10 duty days or less must have a letter of justification from the appropriate directorate commander or director: Memo: Request for Expedited Security and Policy Review
- Higher Headquarters Review. Cases containing topics that signal the potential need to elevate for higher headquarters review will significantly increase the review time.
Who must submit:
How to submit:
Prior to public affairs security and policy review submission, originator fills out the required AFIMSC Public Affairs Security and Policy Review Worksheet, ensures appropriate coordination through reporting organization and, if applicable, with agencies who have equities in the release decision of the final versions of all associated material intended for public release.
For AFRL & AFLCMC S&PR submissions
Disclaimer Verbiage
Originators must ensure disclaimers accompany all documents that are not submitted in an "official Air Force or Space Force capacity." An appropriate disclaimer is: “The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Air Force, Space Force, Department of Defense, or U.S. Government.”
Software products
- Do not send the software with the request.
- Must include a statement that fully addresses: Description, function and use of the software; potential end-users; programming language, operating system, network architecture or other features relevant; DoD program, system or product related to the software.
- Air Force Information Protection officials may request the software code be submitted separately
References