Need to know
| Need to know link (tradecraft, statecraft, classification) | |
|---|---|
| Giving information only when needed to only those people who need it is fundamental to both tradecraft and statecraft. |
The need to know principle is basic ingredient of both tradecraft and statecraft. The urge for secrecy meand that information flow should be as restricted as possible. Unless and until someone has a demonstrable need to know some specific information, they should not be provided with it.
Classification
- Full article: Classification
- Full article: Classification
The most obvious structure to facilitate is the classification of information; information is graded into different classifications, to which personnel are similarly apportioned access as their activities require.
Compartmentalisation
- Full article: Compartmentalisation
- Full article: Compartmentalisation
Compartmentalisation, i.e. the maintenance of strict boundaries between different operations and operatives, is important for both tradecraft and statecraft. Deep politicians carefully plan operations so they can be run independent of one another, with a minimal number of people (i.e. often just them) in possession of the complete facts of what an operative is really intended to achieve.
Phased information release
The "need to know" basis restricts not only to whom information is disclosed, but also when; information should be released only at the last available opportunity. This is not only a guard against its accidental release should an operation go wrong or an operative get captured, but allows for seemless embedding of contingency plans and the deception of those involved.
Recent developments
21st century communication technologies facilitate both fast and wide dissemination of information. This presents a technological challenge to the control of information flows and makes the "need to know" principle even more important than ever.