SUBJECT: Identification and Processing fo Sensitive Operational Records

1. The DEPSECDEF and the ASD/HA have expressed concern about potential sensitive reports or documents on GulfLINK. They have directed that the declassifiers identify such documents and forward them to the Investigation Team prior to release on GulfLINK. The purpose of this procedure is not to stop any declassified or unclassified documents from goin on GulfLINK, but to allow the investigation Team time to begin preparation of a response onparticular "bombshell" reports. These responses could be provided to Dr. White and Dr. Joseph, or used in response to White House queries.

2. Realizing that a fair amount of judgment must be exercised by your reviewers in this process, request you task your teams to use the following criteia in selecting sensitive documents.

• a. Documents that could generate unusual public/media attention.
• b. All documents which seem to confirm the use or detection of nuclear, chemical, or biological agents.
• c. Documents which make gross/startling assertions, i.e., pilot's report that he saw a "giant cloud of anthrax gas."
• d. Documents contaning releasable information which could embarass the Government or DoD. Statements such as "we are not to bring this up to the press" fit this category.
• e. Documents which shed light on issues which have high levels of media interest, such as the November 1995, Life article on birth defects among Gulf War Veterans' children.

3. The Investigation Team will make two determinations on each flagged record. One will be whether or not the subject requires further research, and the other will be who, if anyone, would receive the results of the research. As soon as these steps are expedited, the Investigation Team will notify the operational declassifier that they have completed their part of the process and that the document can be forwarded to DTIC for placement on GulfLINK. The Investigation Team will also notify the declassifiers when particular incidents or units are no longer considered potentially sensitive. In those cases, the declassifiers should stop flagging or highlighting reports on that incident or unit. The results of the Investigation Teams' investigations ultimately will be put on GulfLINK.

4. You are requested to ensure that your declassifiers follow the FOIA standards in the review, redaction, and release of health-related operational records. This will ensure that there is some consistency in operational records of the services and commands that are being made available to the public on GulfLINK. It also facilitates the use of FOIA and privacy exemption codes in the redaction of documents.

PAUL F. WALLNER
Staff Director
Senior Level Oversight Panel
Persian Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses

DISTRIBUTION:
Chief of Military History, USA
Director of Current Operation, J-33, JCS
Deputy Directory, J-3, USCENTCOM
Director of Plans, XOX, USAF Air Staff
Director, Naval Historical Center
Director, USMC Historical Center
Air Force Declassification and Review Team

cc: DEPSECDEF
ASD/HA
USEC/Army
PASD/AE
DIA/DR
PASD/IS/C3I