What is the appropriate classification level if SECRET information appears on a document?

The appropriate classification level for information marked as SECRET is indeed SECRET. This classification is defined within the framework of U.S. national security laws and policies, governed by specific criteria that determine how sensitive information must be handled.

When a document is marked as SECRET, it indicates that the unauthorized disclosure of the information contained within could cause serious damage to national security. This level of classification allows for the protection of sensitive information that, while not the highest level of classification (which is TOP SECRET), still requires significant safeguards to prevent disclosure.

Understanding the hierarchy of classifications is crucial for proper handling and dissemination of classified information. SECRET is one of the key categories of classification, and recognizing this helps maintain the integrity of national security protocols.