What should be reported if the outer wrapper of a COMSEC item is damaged?

• A. Report it as non-portable to the issuer
• B. Report it as portable practice dangerous to security
• C. Ignore the damage if the contents are intact
• D. Report to the nearest security officer

Answer: (B)

If the outer wrapper of a COMSEC item is damaged, it should be reported as portable practice dangerous to security. This is because the integrity of the outer wrapper is crucial for maintaining the security of the sensitive contents it protects. Any damage could indicate that the item may have been tampered with or might be at risk of unauthorized access, potentially compromising the information within.

Reporting it as portable practice dangerous to security ensures that appropriate actions can be taken to assess and mitigate any risks associated with the compromised item. This includes possibly reinforcing security measures, conducting further inspections, or re-evaluating the item's handling and storage procedures. Ensuring all alterations to the packaging of COMSEC materials are reported helps uphold the overall security protocol and maintains the integrity of sensitive communications.