DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY
HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
WASHINGTON, DC 20380-0001
MCO 5030.2C
POC-12
18 Feb 92
MARINE CORPS ORDER 5030.2C
From: Commandant of the Marine Corps
To: Distribution List
Subj: POLICIES AND PROCEDURES CONCERNING THE USE OF CODE
WORDS, NICKNAMES, AND EXERCISE TERMS
Ref: (a) OPNAVINST 5510.1H
(b) JCS PUB 1-03.19
(c) JANAP 119 (NOTAL)
1. Purpose. To prescribe Marine Corps policy and procedures
concerning the use of code words, nicknames, and exercise terms
in accordance with the instructions set forth in references (a)
through (c).
2. Cancellation. MCO 5030.2B.
3. Information
a. Department of Defense (DoD) policy and procedures
governing the use of code words, nicknames, and exercise terms
are set forth in chapter 10 of reference (a) and chapter 4 of
reference (b).
b. Code Word. A single word assigned a classified meaning
by appropriate authority to ensure proper security concerning
intentions and to safeguard information pertaining to
real-world military plans or operations classified as
CONFIDENTIAL or higher. A code word is placed in one of three
categories.
(1) Available - Allocated to using component.
Available code words INDIVIDUALLY will be UNCLASSIFIED until
placed in the active category.
(2) Active - Assigned a CLASSIFIED meaning and
current.
(3) Canceled - Formally active but discontinued
because of compromise, suspected compromise, cessation, or
completion of the operation to which the code word pertained.
c. Nickname. A combination of two separate unclassified
words which is assigned an unclassified meaning and is
employed only for unclassified administrative, morale, or
public information purpose.
d. Exercise Term. A combination of two words used
exclusively to designate a test, drill, or exercise. An
exercise term is employed to preclude the possibility of
confusing exercise directions with actual operations directions.
4. Policy
a. Code Words. The Joint Staff is responsible for
allocating code or blocks of code words to DoD components.
Headquarters Marine Corps may request allocation of such code
words as required and may reallocate them within the Marine
Corps.
b. Nicknames
(1) Nicknames may be assigned to real-world events,
projects, movements of forces, or other nonexercise activities
involving elements of information of any classification
category, but the nickname, the description or meaning it
represents, and the relationship of the nickname and its
meaning must be UNCLASSIFIED. A nickname is not designed to
achieve a security objective.
(2) Nicknames, improperly selected, can be
counter-productive. A nickname must be chosen with sufficient
care to ensure that it does not:
(a) Express a degree of bellicosity inconsistent
with traditional American ideals or current foreign policy.
(b) Convey connotations offensive to good taste
or derogatory to a particular group, sect, or creed.
(c) Convey connotations offensive to U.S. allies
or other Free World Nations.
(3) The following shall not be used as nicknames:
(a) Any two-word combination voice call sign
found in reference (c).
(b) A combination of words which include the word
"project," "exercise," or "operation."
(c) Words which may be used correctly either as a
single word or as two words, such as "moonlight."
(d) Exotic words, trite expressions, or well
known commercial trademarks.
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c. Exercise Terms
(1) Exercise terms may be assigned only to tests,
drills, or exercises for the purpose of emphasizing that the
event is a test, drill, or exercise and not a real-world
operation. The exercise term, the description or meaning it
represents, and the relationship of the exercise term and its
meaning can be classified or unclassified. A classified term
is designed to simulate actual use of DoD code words and must
be employed using identical security procedures throughout the
planning, preparation, and execution of the test, drill, or
exercise to ensure realism.
(2) Selection of exercise terms will follow the same
guidance as contained in paragraph 4b(2) and (3).
d. Assignment of Classified Meanings
(1) Code Words. The assignment of classified meanings
to code words will be in accordance with subparagraph 7a,
chapter 4 of reference (b).
(2) Nicknames. Nicknames will not be classified or
assigned a classified meaning.
(3) Exercise Terms. In cases where a classified
exercise term is designed to simulate actual use of a DoD code
word, the provisions of subparagraph 7a, chapter 4 of reference
(b) apply.
5. Composition and Selection
a. A code word is a single word selected from an assigned
block listed in table 4.2 of reference (b) and assigned an
appropriate classification. Blocks 2170 through 2179 are
currently assigned to the Marine Corps.
b. In accordance with reference (b), a nickname will
consist of two separate words, the first of which must begin
with the combination of letters of the alphabet in the
following categories allocated to the Marine Corps.
(1) CS through CZ - example, Culture Wall.
(2) HG through HL - example, Hickory Sky.
(3) LS through LZ - example, Luggage Planet.
(4) PG through PL - example, Phone Weapon.
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c. An exercise term is selected using the same alphabetical
blocks and criteria as outlined in paragraph 5b.
6. Action
a. Fleet Marine Force organizations will normally request
code words, nicknames, and exercise terms in accordance with
instructions issued by the fleet commander.
b. Requests for the use of code words, nicknames, and
exercise terms for purposes not necessarily under the direct
cognizance of fleet commanders will be forwarded by message to
the Commandant of the Marine Corps (POC) at least 30 days prior
to the effective date of use. The following information is
required:
(1) Primary and alternate terms proposed for use.
(2) Meaning of the terms.
(3) Effective dates of use.
(4) Organization which will use the term.
(5) Point of contact (POC) and telephone number.
c. The Commandant of the Marine Corps (POC) will approve
code words, nicknames, and exercise terms and will register
such terms in accordance with instructions contained in chapter
4 of reference (b).
d. Users of code words, nicknames, and exercise terms
provided by the Commandant of the Marine Corps will inform the
Commandant of the Marine Corps (POC) of changes in the status
of such terms and their related meanings.
e. Precautions
(1) A minimum classification of confidential is
required for code words.
(2) In that code words are classified per se, their
use during nonsecure telephone conversations is prohibited.
(3) In every case, whenever a code word is referred to
in documents, the security classification of the code words
will be placed in parentheses immediately following the code
word; e.g., "Label (C)."
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(4) The above provisions apply to an exercise term
when it is used to simulate a code word.
7. Reserve Applicability. This Order is applicable to the
Marine Corps Reserve.
DISTRIBUTION: PCN 10207030000
Copy to: 7000110 (55)
8145005 (2)
7000099, 144/8145001 (1)
