What is the significance of the marking "For Official Use Only" (FOUO)?

The marking "For Official Use Only" (FOUO) signifies that the information is sensitive and not intended for public release, thereby protecting it from unauthorized disclosure. This designation indicates that while the information may not be classified in the same way as documents marked with higher-level classification, it still requires a level of control and caution due to its sensitive nature. FOUO helps inform personnel that the information should be handled in a manner that ensures it remains within the confines of official use, aligning with regulatory guidance for protecting certain types of information from being disclosed publicly.

This marking serves as a reminder of the sensitivity of the information, thereby contributing to the overall integrity and security protocols within government and military operations. It does not imply that the information is classified or can be shared freely, which is crucial for maintaining the appropriate level of confidentiality for material that does not meet the threshold for classification but still requires controlled handling.