MCO 5230.18 — Clearance Of Department Of Defense Information For Public Release

MCO 5230.18 governs the clearance of Department of Defense information for public release by Marine Corps personnel.

Search MCO 5230.18

  • Publication number: MCO 5230.18
  • Title: CLEARANCE OF DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE INFORMATION FOR PUBLIC RELEASE
  • Date: 10 Jun 1994
  • Proponent: 05000 General Admin & Management
  • Status: New

View MCO 5230.18 on armypubs.army.mil


It covers policy and security reviews, clearance authority, and submission requirements for speeches, articles, and other public-release material. It identifies information requiring review and restricts commitments to furnish manuscripts before clearance or approval.

Applies to: To publish specific instructions, per references (a) and (b), to Headguarters Marine Corps personnel and civilian employees of the Marine Corps guiding publication of materials.

Topics covered

  • Policy review
  • Security review
  • Public-release clearance
  • Speeches and articles
  • Military operations
  • Critical military technology
  • Communications security

Questions and answers

What reviews are required before information is released to the public?

There are two types of review required: policy review and security review. (paragraph 2)

What must all material proposed for public release undergo?

At a minimum, all material proposed for release to the public will undergo policy and security review at the staff agency level. (paragraph 3)

When must DoD personnel submit information concerning DoD or U.S. Government operations for security review and clearance?

Information proposed for publication or public release that concerns or affects the plans, policies, programs or operations of DoD or the U.S. Government, and that is prepared by DoD personnel either in an official or private capacity, shall be submitted to the Office of the Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs (OATSD(PA)) for security review and clearance. (paragraph 4)

How far in advance should speeches and articles be submitted for clearance?

Speeches and articles meeting the criteria below should be submitted to arrive at CMC(PA) at least six working days before the date that clearance is desired, more if the volume of the documents and complexity of the subject matter warrant. (paragraph 4)

What military subjects require submission for review?

Military operations, operations security, potential operations, and significant exercises. (paragraph 4)

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