TM 5-844-1/AFM 88-21, Chap. 1
1
COURIER STATION DESIGN
1. Purpose applicable to all types of sensitive compart-
This publication establishes minimum standards definitions, which apply to courier stations only,
governing design of facilities designated as are provided to aid in the interpretation of DIAM
Defense Courier Stations, hereafter referred to as 50-3 as it pertains to the design and construction
courier stations. of courier stations.
2. Scope system designed to identify and/or admit per-
The standards established in this publication are secure area. Identification may be based on any
applicable both within the Continental United number of methods such as the sequencing of a
States and outside the Continental United States combination, special key, magnetic card,
Existing courier stations need not be modified to fingerprints, signature, voice, etc. These systems
conform to construction standards stated herein, are for personnel access control only and are not
however, the criteria for intrusion detection to be used for the protection of classified
systems are applicable for all proposed and materials.
existing courier stations. (2) SCIF Acoustic Security - Those
3. References aural access to classified information do not
Appendix A contains a list of references used in (3) SCIF Authorized Personnel - Any
this manual. person who is fully cleared and indoctrinated for
4. Descriptions and definitions has been granted access to the CS SCIF.
a. Descriptions of the Defense Courier Ser- Government agency responsible for the ac-
vice (DCS) mission, administration, and opera- creditation and general security of a SCIF. This
tion, are contained in DOD 5200.33R. includes Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) and
b. DCS personnel must meet particular Defense Courier Service Inspector General
standards of physical fitness, therefore, (DCS/IG).
handicapped accessibility standards do not apply (5) Continuous Operations - This
to courier station design. condition exists when a facility is manned 24
c. Courier stations receive classified hours every day by not fewer than two
material, then consolidate and ship material to appropriately indoctrinated personnel, referred to
other courier stations for distribution to a final as Two Person Control (TPC), who have the
destination. Courier station operation centers continuous capability of detecting unauthorized
around the secure storage area where all material entry into the SCIF. Positive identification and
is palletized or pouched and temporarily stored access control must be maintained at all entrance
until shipment. The secure storage area is a points not fully secured.
Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (6) Continuous Personnel Access Control -
(SCIF) which must be designed and constructed An access control system where access to a
according to DIAM 50-3. facility is continuously controlled by a cleared
d. Definitions of terms in DIAM 50-3 are individual, as determined by the CSA.
mented information facilities. The following
(1) Access Control System, Unattended -
An electronic, electromechanical, or mechanical
sonnel with properly authorized access to the
security measures designed and used to deny
apply to courier station facilities.
sensitive compartmented information (SCI) and
(4) Cognizant Security Authority (CSA) -
