If the authorized sources do not provide sufficient guidance, you should first consult your Security Manager or Facility Security Officer (FSO), or the equivalent security official in your organization.

What the phrase refers to

The phrase “if the authorized sources do not provide sufficient guidance, you should” appears in the context of U.S. government and contractor derivative classification and information security training. It is part of exam and course questions that test how personnel should behave when classification guides, source documents, or other approved references are unclear or incomplete.

The expected “FIRST” action

Training and answer keys for derivative classification questions consistently state that the correct first step is:

  • Ask your Security Manager or Facility Security Officer (FSO).

Other options such as relying on memory, asking a Quality Assurance Manager, or going straight to the Original Classification Authority (OCA) are specifically listed as incorrect in these exam-style questions.

Why this is the correct step

Security managers and FSOs are designated to:

  • Interpret and implement classification and security policy when written guidance is unclear.
  • Provide official clarification so personnel do not guess, speculate, or rely on memory for classification decisions.

Relying on memory or unofficial sources is treated as an example of unauthorized guidance and is explicitly discouraged in official derivative classification guides.