Which classification level is considered the lowest?

The classification level identified as the lowest is Confidential. In the context of national security information, confidentiality is assigned to information that, if disclosed, could cause damage to national security. This classification serves to protect sensitive information while allowing for a level of access that is greater than the higher classifications, such as Secret and Top Secret, which imply more severe consequences if disclosed.

Unclassified information is not actually a classification level in the same context as Confidential, Secret, or Top Secret. It refers to information that does not require any form of protective marking and is not restricted; therefore, it’s not classified in the traditional sense, but still accessible to the general public.

Understanding these distinctions is critical in the realm of information security, particularly for personnel handling sensitive data within the Marine Corps or any national defense context.