To whom should classified information be returned when required?

To whom should classified information be returned when required?

• A. GCA
• B. Army
• C. Navy
• D. Contractor

Answer: (A)

When classified information must be returned, it goes to the authority that established and controls its classification—the Government Classification Authority. This central recipient preserves the custody trail, ensures proper handling, and has the power to reclassify, declassify, or authorize further transfers as needed. The other options might have had possession or use of the material, but they do not hold the official authority to receive or manage its continued protection, so sending it to them would bypass the proper control and jeopardize accountability.

When classified information must be returned, it goes to the authority that established and controls its classification—the Government Classification Authority. This central recipient preserves the custody trail, ensures proper handling, and has the power to reclassify, declassify, or authorize further transfers as needed. The other options might have had possession or use of the material, but they do not hold the official authority to receive or manage its continued protection, so sending it to them would bypass the proper control and jeopardize accountability.