CHAPTER 1
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMUNICATIONS
INTRODUCTION
In the field of meteorology and oceanography, we
depend heavily on information to do our jobs. We must
collect raw observation reports and processed data, and
both collect and disseminate forecast products. Today,
we must rely heavily on computer systems to process
information. Your responsibilities as an observer will
include processing data received from various
communications systems and retrieving environmental
data for the forecaster. In addition, you will be asked to
compose various types of message reports for
transmission to other activities. Most of these tasks
involve the use of computers and computer systems.
In this chapter, we begin with a brief discussion
about communications security. We then take a look at
several environmental communications systems, such
as telephone systems, computer networks, and digital
facsimile. Next, we discuss environmental computer
workstations, naval message transmission networks,
and voice radio systems. We complete the chapter with
a discussion of environmental communications systems
designed specifically for use aboard ship.
COMMUNICATIONS SECURITY
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Identify the
classification markings and special handling
markings authorized for naval correspondence
and message traffic. Identify the publication
that outlines information and personnel
security procedures for the Navy.
Environmental information, for the most part, is
freely exchanged between countries of the world.
Within the Navy and Marine Corps, some
environmental information, if released to the wrong
person or country, could threaten the defenses of the
United Stated or our allies. This type of information
must be classified according to Department of Defense
and Department of the Navy security guidelines to
prevent its unauthorized disclosure. Information
evaluated for its impact on the defense of the United
States is defined as either "unclassified" or "classified."
Unclassified information has been evaluated, but
disclosure of the information would not effect the
security of the country. Classified information, if
disclosed, could effect national security to some degree.
Access restrictions are assigned to protect classified
information.
The program to protect sensitive information and to
prevent its intentional or inadvertent disclosure to other
nations is discussed in depth in OPNAVINST 5510.1,
Department of the Navy Information and Personnel
Security Program Regulation, often called the Security
Manual. The manual defines three general categories of
classified information in increasing order of restriction:
Confidential (C), Secret (S), and Top Secret (TS).
Additionally, the Security Manual provides definitions
and guidelines for handling both unclassified and
classified information and information with special-
handling markings.
The Naval Telecommunications Procedure--Three
(NTP 3), Telecommunications Users Manual further
explains the use of special-handling markings. Some of
the most common include the following:
EFTO (Encrypt For Transmission Only): Used
to identify and protect messages during electrical
transmission that do not meet the criteria for
classification but have potential value if
subjected to analysis.
FOUO (For Official Use Only): Unclassified
material not given a security classification, but
for various reasons, may not be discussed or
released to the public.
NATO RESTRICTED: Information treated
similar to FOUO with access only for official
purposes to North Atlantic Treaty Organization
(NATO) member nations.
ALLIED RESTRICTED: Information so marked
is treated as Confidential information when
received by U.S. activities.
NOFORN or NF (NOt releasable to FOReign
Nationals): Classified material that may not be
released to any foreign government, foreign
national, or non-United States citizen, even if
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