5 FAH-2 H-430
HANDLING SYMBOLS
(CT:TEL-79; 01-26-2023)
(Office of Origin: IRM/OPS/MSO)
5 FAH-2 H-431 CRITIC CABLES
(CT: TEL-79; 01-26-2023)
(State Only)
CRITIC is a handling symbol for cables that convey national security information that must be delivered to the highest levels of the U.S. Government as fast as possible. CRITIC cables are sent via the SMART client on ClassNet.
5 FAH-2 H-431.1 CRITIC Procedures
(CT:TEL-79; 01-26-2023)
(State Only)
a. CRITIC supersedes any other communications activity and the handling of any other cables, including FLASH and NIACT IMMEDIATE high precedence cables.
b. CRITIC text is very brief and to the point, and usually consists of no more than one or two lines of text.
c. At posts abroad, the Information Programs Center maintains The Handbook of Standard Operating Procedures for Reporting Critical Information (CRITIC Handbook). Authorized CRITIC drafting officers and IM personnel must be familiar with the contents of this handbook for recognizing, preparing, and handling CRITIC cables. The handbook is available on ClassNet. For more information, go to the CRITIC Diplopedia article on ClassNet.
d. To familiarize all concerned with CRITIC procedures and CRITIC cables, the CRITIC EXERCISE procedures are to be included in post’s embassy duty officer’s handbook and/or a CRITIC briefing is to be provided during the employee check-in procedures upon arrival at post.
5 FAH-2 H-431.2 How CRITIC Exercises Are Conducted
(CT:TEL-79; 01-26-2023)
(State Only)
a. IRM/OPS/MSO/MSMC/MOB (Messaging Operations Branch) administers the CRITIC testing program and coordinates a CRITIC EXERCISE for each post annually.
b. Post’s Management Officer conducts the EXERCISE, which simulates the procedures for sending an actual CRITIC cable. The Management Officer will receive a notification from IRM/OPS/MSO/MSMC/MOB to initiate a CRITIC EXERCISE.
c. The Ambassador, Deputy Chief of Mission, and Management Officer together determine who can release CRITIC cables. Anyone with a ClassNet SMART account assigned to an overseas post can send a CRITIC cable.
d. No more than 10 minutes should elapse from the time the Management Officer provides the appointed post employee with the EXERCISE text and directs them to release the CRITIC cable to the time acknowledgment is received from the Department.
e. If post is not able to perform the EXERCISE as scheduled, they should send a cable addressed to the Department using attention indicator "For IRM/OPS/MSO/MSMC/MOB", and "Addressee Only."
f. All embassy staff involved should be thoroughly familiar with their respective roles in handling CRITIC Information.
5 FAH-2 H-432 THROUGH H-439 UNASSIGNED