The Department of Defense (DoD) requires all military personnel, contractors, and anyone handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) to complete DoD mandatory CUI training. This training ensures staff understand CUI marking requirements, decontrol procedures, and reporting protocols, helping protect sensitive information from unauthorized access.
Unsure if your DoD mandatory CUI training meets compliance standards? Schedule a consultation with our experts to review your program today.
DoD Mandatory CUI Training 101
The DoD mandatory CUI training is essential for all Department of Defense personnel and contractors working with the U.S. military. This training ensures everyone handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) understands the core requirements of CUI protection, covering four key areas:
- Institutional knowledge about the DoD CUI program
- CUI marking and dissemination responsibilities
- Safeguarding and decontrol procedures
- Reporting protocols for incidents affecting CUI
Preparing your workforce with this training is also a critical step toward Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) and overall DoD compliance. Partnering with a compliance advisor can help streamline your program and ensure your staff are equipped to protect CUI proactively.
Focus 1: CUI Program and Institutional Knowledge
A key component of DoD mandatory CUI training is ensuring that contractor staff understand what Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) is and the institutional framework in place to protect it. Staff should be able to explain the CUI program and identify the major agencies and offices that work together to secure this sensitive information.
CUI refers to information that is not officially classified but still has implications for national security, which is why access is strictly controlled. Prior to the implementation of the CUI program, different departments managed this information in varying ways, leading to inconsistencies in protection standards.
The CUI program standardized rules for handling this information across government agencies and third-party contractors, ensuring consistent protection.
Overall CUI guidelines are overseen by the Information Security Oversight Office (ISOO) of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). Within the DoD, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security (OUSD (I&S)) serves as the primary administrative office managing CUI. For compliance and training purposes, contractor staff must understand the roles of both the OUSD (I&S) and ISOO in maintaining CUI security.
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Understanding the Groupings of CUI
A core component of DoD mandatory CUI training is understanding the types of documents classified as Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). The DoD CUI registry largely mirrors the ISOO CUI registry, with some differences and additional guidance specific to DoD operations. Staff are expected to recognize the following CUI groupings and their categories:
- Critical Infrastructure (11 categories)
- Defense (4 categories)
- Export Control (2 categories)
- Financial (10 categories)
- Intelligence (7 categories)
- International Agreements (1 category)
- Law Enforcement (18 categories)
- Legal (12 categories)
- Natural and Cultural Resources (2 categories)
- Nuclear (5 categories)
- Patents (3 categories)
- Privacy (9 categories)
- Procurement and Acquisition (3 categories)
- Proprietary Business Information (6 categories)
- Provisional (4 categories)
- Statistical (1 category)
- Tax (3 categories)
- Transportation (2 categories)
One notable distinction is that the ISOO registry includes a category for Immigration CUI, which does not appear in publicly available DoD registry documents. To successfully complete training, staff must understand each grouping, its categories, applicable authorities, and rulesets, along with proper CUI marking procedures.
Focus 2: CUI Marking, Access, and Dissemination
A critical part of DoD mandatory CUI training is ensuring employees understand how to identify, mark, and control access to Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) based on applicable access requirements. Proper marking and dissemination are essential for compliance and protecting sensitive information.
As a baseline, all CUI must be clearly marked. Documents containing CUI should include a banner label stating at minimum: “CUI.” In addition, the cover page or first page of the document should display:
- The DoD Component’s name
- The office that created the document
- CUI categories included in the document
- Any applicable access statements or controls
- Contact information for the document’s point of contact
Additional banner documentation may be required if the document falls under a Specified category rather than a Basic category, or if Limited Dissemination Controls (LDCs) apply. Understanding these requirements is crucial for passing training and ensuring compliance with DoD CUI handling standards.
Secure Transmission and Dissemination of CUI
A key part of DoD mandatory CUI training is understanding the controls that govern who can access CUI and how it can be shared. Proper application of Limited Dissemination Controls (LDCs) ensures sensitive information is protected and only shared with authorized personnel. The main LDCs include:
- FED ONLY – Federal Employees Only: Documents shared only with executive branch members, their agencies, and personnel in the U.S. Active and Reserve Guards.
- FEDCON – Federal Employees and Contractors Only: Documents disseminated to FED ONLY recipients and contractors working on agency missions.
- NOCON – No Dissemination to Contractors: Documents distributed to state, local, tribal, or other government employees, but not to contractors.
- DL ONLY – Dissemination List Controlled: Documents sent only to specific individuals or entities listed when no other LDC applies.
- RELIDO – Releasable by Information Disclosure Official: Documents granting select foreign authorities discretion over disclosure and use.
- NOFORN – No Foreign Dissemination: Documents must not be disclosed to foreign persons, non-U.S. organizations, or entities outside the U.S.
- REL TO USA – Authorized for Release to Certain Foreign Nationals Only: Documents disclosable only to entities within specified countries.
- DISPLAYONLY – Display Only: Documents can be shown to foreign entities digitally or virtually, without allowing editing or access.
- ATTORNEY-CLIENT: Documents restricted to attorneys, their agents, and clients, unless additional permissions are granted.
- ATTORNEY-WP – Attorney Work Product: Documents restricted similarly, with additional discretion for originating attorneys.
Ensuring these markings are applied correctly, and followed is one of the most critical responsibilities of DoD contractors. DoD mandatory CUI training equips staff with the knowledge to interpret these markings accurately and maintain proper CUI security.
Focus 3: Safeguarding and Decontrol Requirements
Another key component of DoD mandatory CUI training is ensuring employees understand how to safeguard and properly decontrol Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). Staff must take proactive steps to prevent unauthorized access to CUI documents, media, and systems. For example, employees should avoid using, accessing, or discussing CUI outside of their specific job responsibilities, and ensure that all CUI documents are securely locked away when not in use.
Employees are also responsible for CUI security across its entire lifecycle. When a CUI document reaches the end of its lifecycle, it must be destroyed in a manner that renders it unreadable. If a document is no longer considered CUI, its markings should be removed before the information is released for public access.
Beyond individual responsibilities, staff should have a basic understanding of institution-wide network protections. These include safeguards outlined in the NIST Special Publication 800-171, which are required in part for CMMC Level 1 and in full for CMMC Level 2.
Depending on the sensitivity and scope of CUI your organization handles, additional protections under SP 800-172 may be necessary for CMMC Level 3 compliance. Regardless of the level, ensuring your staff u
Focus 4: Reporting on Incidents Impacting CUI
A vital part of DoD mandatory CUI training is understanding how to report incidents that could compromise Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). Reporting procedures may vary depending on the specific DoD entities a contractor works with. Each DoD Component’s Senior Agency Official (CSAO) collaborates with the Component Program Manager (CPM) to define the exact protocols for both DoD personnel and contractors.
In most cases, if there is an Unauthorized Disclosure (UD) of CUI, anyone who becomes aware of it must report it immediately to their supervisor. Additionally, the administrative offices that typically need to be notified include the Program Management Office (PMO) and the relevant Military Department Counterintelligence (CI) organization.
While reporting protocols can differ by agency or component, it is essential that staff are fully aware of their responsibilities and procedures as part of their DoD mandatory CUI training. Proper reporting ensures compliance, reduces risk, and supports overall CUI security.
Streamline Your DoD Mandatory CUI Training
Organizations that work with the U.S. government must take every precaution to protect Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and prevent unauthorized access. Effective DoD mandatory CUI training empowers staff to safeguard CUI, follow proper marking procedures, and report incidents when information may be compromised.
At RSI Security, we have helped numerous military contractors implement robust CUI training programs and prepare for NIST and CMMC compliance. We believe that discipline creates freedom, and thoroughly training your employees on proper CUI handling is the most reliable way to ensure sensitive information remains secure.
For guidance on preparing, implementing, or assessing your DoD mandatory CUI training program, contact RSI Security today to ensure your organization meets all compliance and security requirements.
