SF 707 Secret ADP Media Label | GSA NSN 7540-01-207-5537

SF 707 Secret ADP Media Label | GSA NSN 7540-01-207-5537 – SF Form 707, officially known as the Secret Label, is a standardized U.S. government security form used to mark and protect automatic data processing (ADP) media and other removable or fixed media containing SECRET-level classified national security information.

It serves as a critical tool for Department of Defense (DoD), Air Force, and other federal agencies to clearly identify the classification level of electronic storage media, ensuring compliance with information security regulations and preventing unauthorized disclosure.

What Is SF Form 707?

The SF 707 Secret ADP Media Classification Label identifies media—such as hard drives, USB drives, CDs/DVDs, backup tapes, or other IT storage devices—that contain SECRET information. Unlike document cover sheets (e.g., SF 704 for Secret documents), SF 707 is specifically designed for non-document media where traditional page-by-page markings are impractical.

  • Color and Design: Red background with white lettering for high visibility.
  • Size: Individual labels typically measure approximately 1-1/4″ x 2-1/8″ (or similar depending on sheet configuration).
  • Format: Supplied as pads or sheets. Older specifications note 6 labels per sheet; commercial and government supply variants may differ (e.g., pads with multiple sheets). Some references mention configurations yielding around 300 labels per pad, aligning with bulk issuance by the Publishing and Distribution (PAD) or equivalent supply channels.
  • National Stock Number (NSN): 7540-01-207-5537.
  • Revision: Current standard dates to January 1987 (SF 707, 1-87).

These labels feature strong adhesive backing, making them difficult to remove without evidence, which supports tamper-evident security practices. They are waterproof and UV-coated in many commercial equivalents to resist fading.

Purpose and Regulatory Background

SF 707 helps fulfill requirements under Executive Order 13526 (Classified National Security Information), 32 CFR Part 2003, and DoD Manual 5200.01 (DoD Information Security Program). It is one of a family of standard forms:

  • SF 706 — Top Secret Label (orange)
  • SF 707 — Secret Label (red)
  • SF 708 — Confidential Label (blue)
  • SF 709 — Classified Label (purple, for general use)
  • SF 710 — Unclassified Label (green)

According to 32 CFR 2003.28, the SF 707 “is used to identify and protect automatic data processing (ADP) media and other media that contain SECRET information” and is applied instead of document cover sheets for media.

DoDM 5200.01, Volume 2 (Marking of Information) further directs the use of these SF labels on information technology (IT) systems and removable electronic storage media when the highest classification level needs clear external identification. If the classification level changes (downgrade, upgrade, or declassification), the label must be replaced or properly covered.

In Air Force and DoD contexts, SF 707 is commonly referenced in guidance for marking ADP media in secure facilities, including SCI environments (when appropriate for collateral Secret information).

Who Uses SF Form 707?

  • U.S. Air Force and other military branches
  • Department of Defense agencies and contractors
  • Intelligence Community components
  • Federal departments and agencies handling classified national security information

Target users include security managers, information systems security officers (ISSOs), facility security officers (FSOs), and personnel responsible for marking and controlling classified media in Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIFs) or other secure areas.

Note: Government contractors typically require sponsorship from their government customer to order official SF forms through GSA Global Supply.

How to Properly Use SF Form 707?

  1. Affix to the Medium: Apply the label conspicuously to the exterior of the media or its container so that anyone handling it immediately recognizes the SECRET classification.
  2. Replacement Rule: Always use the label matching the current highest classification. Remove or cover outdated labels when classification changes.
  3. Combination with Other Markings: For media containing additional control markings (e.g., NOFORN, ORCON, SCI caveats), combine with appropriate portion and banner markings where possible.
  4. Storage and Handling: Classified media must remain in approved secure storage (e.g., GSA-approved containers) when not in use, with proper chain-of-custody and accountability logs.
  5. Destruction: When media reaches end-of-life, follow approved destruction procedures per DoDM 5200.01 Volume 3 and Committee on National Security Systems (CNSS) guidelines.

Best Practice Tip: In mixed classified/unclassified environments, pair SF 707 with SF 710 (Unclassified) on appropriate equipment to avoid confusion.

How to Obtain SF Form 707?

Official SF 707 labels are available through the General Services Administration (GSA) Federal Supply System:

  • U.S. Government agencies and offices can order via GSA Global Supply (www.gsaglobalsupply.gsa.gov) or GSA Advantage using a government purchase card or AAC.
  • Stock Number: 7540-01-207-5537.
  • Issued in pads (quantity per pad varies by supplier configuration; contact GSA for current packaging details).

For downloadable references related to Air Force e-Publishing and physical/electronic marking guidance, see resources hosted at static.e-publishing.af.mil (including physical.pdf and physical.epub formats for relevant publications).

Commercial Equivalents: Authorized vendors may supply high-quality vinyl adhesive labels meeting government specifications for internal use, often in sheets of 30 labels. However, for official compliance, use GSA-sourced SF forms where required.

Important: These labels support compliance but do not replace the need for proper classification training, derivative classification procedures, and adherence to your organization’s security classification guide (SCG).

Why Proper Marking Matters?

Incorrect or missing classification labels on ADP media can lead to security incidents, compromise of national security information, or regulatory violations. Clear, standardized marking with SF 707 (and companion forms) enables quick visual identification, supports “need-to-know” controls, and reduces the risk of accidental disclosure.

Personnel handling classified media must complete mandatory information security training and hold the appropriate clearance and need-to-know.

  • Archives.gov/ISOO Security Forms — Official listing of standard forms including SF 707.
  • GSA Reference — Secret (Label) SF707 ordering information.
  • DoDM 5200.01 Series — Core DoD policy on marking, protection, and handling of classified information (Volumes 1–4).
  • 32 CFR 2003.28 — Regulatory description of the SECRET Label SF 707.

For the most current guidance, consult your local security manager, Information Protection office, or the latest versions of DoDM 5200.01 and Air Force publications via e-Publishing.

Keywords: SF 707, Secret ADP Media Label, SF707 classification label, Secret media marking, DoD classified labels, GSA NSN 7540-01-207-5537, ADP media protection, Air Force security forms.

This article is for informational purposes and does not constitute official government instruction. Always refer to current DoD, Air Force, or agency policy for compliance.