Department of Defense
Washington, DC

February 5, 1999

MEMORANDUM FOR:

SECRETARIES OF THE MILITARY DEPARTMENTS
CHAIRMAN OF THE JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF
UNDER SECRETARIES OF DEFENSE
DIRECTOR, DEFENSE RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING
ASSISTANT SECRETARIES OF DEFENSE
GENERAL COUNSEL OF THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
INSPECTOR GENERAL OF THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
DIRECTOR, OPERATIONAL TEST AND EVALUATION
ASSISTANTS TO THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE
DIRECTOR, ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT
DIRECTORS OF THE DEFENSE AGENCIES
DIRECTORS OF THE DOD FIELD ACTIVITIES

SUBJECT: Personal Attestations Upon the Granting of Security Access

During the past decade the personal attestation required in the granting of security clearances has devolved into a routine administrative process, constituting little more than an administrative nuisance with little significance, and with too little awareness of the commitment that is being made by individuals as they are granted access.

Effective February 15, 1999, every military member and civilian employee, who is granted a Top Secret clearance, or is granted access to a specially-controlled access category or compartment must make a verbal attestation that he or she will conform to the conditions and responsibilities imposed by law or regulation on those granted clearance or access. The verbal attestation must be witnessed by at least one individual in addition to the official who presides over the attestation and manages the process.

[signed]
Bill Cohen
Secretary of Defense