Practitioner tool · Version 1 (beta)

Prepublication Self-Check

For DoD service members and civilians writing an article, op-ed, book chapter, post or speech. Answer a few questions, paste your draft if you like, and see what a security and policy reviewer is likely to raise before you submit.

This is a self-check, not a clearance. It cannot clear anything for release and it cannot recognize classified information. Submit your work to your organization's public affairs or security review office as your regulations require. Never paste classified or CUI material into any web page, including this one.

Not official, and not legal advice. This is a personal, unofficial tool. It is not endorsed by, affiliated with or a substitute for any DoD, service or installation review office, ethics counselor or legal office. Rules vary by organization and change over time; your reviewers and regulations control.

Your text stays on your device. This page has no server, no tracking and no storage. Your answers and draft are read only by your own browser and disappear when you close the tab.

1. About you and the piece

Are you currently serving in the military or employed by DoD (civilian, or contractor writing about your DoD work)?

Does the piece touch military matters, national security, or another subject of significant concern to DoD?Strategy, operations, policy, programs, budgets, foreign relations, the force, your organization.

Will it carry your rank, title or organization, or will you be identified by your DoD role?

Did you write it as part of your job, on duty time, or with government equipment?

Are you a general or flag officer or a senior executive, or is the piece about an issue of national significance?

2. Content

Does it use anything you know only because of your job and that has not been officially released?Internal documents, draft plans, meeting discussions, unreleased reports or data.

Does it mention units, locations, dates, capabilities, vulnerabilities, tactics or future activities?

Does it discuss intelligence, cyber, space, nuclear, chemical or biological weapons, or new weapons and technology?

Does it comment on current or pending policy, budgets, legislation, or decisions by senior officials?

Is the piece, or the outlet, partisan or tied to a campaign, candidate or political party?

Does it quote or name people, include photos of people, or use images, charts or text you did not create?

3. Money and endorsement

Will you be paid, or receive anything of value, for this piece?

Does it promote a product, company, service, nonprofit or fundraising effort?

4. Paste your draft (optional)

The scan looks for common warning signs: markings, operational details, official-voice language, personal information and more. It is a pattern match, not a judgment. Unclassified, uncontrolled text only.

Disclaimer generator

If you write in your personal capacity and identify your DoD affiliation, include a disclaimer and make it reasonably prominent: near your byline or at the top, not buried in a footer.

Sources: DoDI 5230.09, Clearance of DoD Information for Public Release; DoDI 5230.29, Security and Policy Review of DoD Information for Public Release; DoDI 5400.17, Official Use of Social Media; 5 CFR part 2635 (Standards of Ethical Conduct); the Hatch Act and DoDD 1344.10; your service's public affairs and OPSEC regulations. Check the current versions; this tool summarizes, it does not replace them.