SF 710 Unclassified Label for ADP Media – In U.S. government and Department of Defense (DoD) environments, particularly Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) facilities, proper labeling of media is a critical component of information security. The Standard Form 710 (SF 710), known as the Unclassified Label, helps personnel quickly and accurately identify Automatic Data Processing (ADP) media and other storage media that contain unclassified information in mixed classified/unclassified environments.
This article provides a complete overview of SF Form 710, its purpose, specifications, regulatory basis, and how authorized U.S. government users and contractors can obtain it.
What Is SF Form 710?
SF 710 is the official Unclassified (Label) prescribed for use with ADP media (such as disks, tapes, hard drives, and other electronic storage) in facilities where both classified and unclassified information are processed or stored.
- Official Name: Unclassified Label
- Form Number: SF 710
- Current Revision Date: January 1987
- NSN (National Stock Number): 7540-01-207-5539
- Physical Format: Green background with white lettering; typically 8 labels per sheet, size approximately 1-11/16″ x 1-3/16″ per label.
- Packaging: Issued in pads (commonly referenced as 400 labels per pad in certain procurement contexts, though GSA lists pads containing 50 sheets).
The label is designed to be affixed to media in a way that does not interfere with equipment operation. Its primary role is visual differentiation: in SCI facilities and other secure areas, it prevents confusion between unclassified media and media carrying classified information (such as SF 706 Top Secret, SF 707 Secret, or SF 712 Classified SCI labels).
Purpose of the SF 710 Unclassified Label
According to 32 CFR 2003.31, the SF 710 is used in mixed environments to:
- Identify ADP media and other media containing unclassified information.
- Aid personnel in distinguishing unclassified items from classified ones, reducing the risk of mishandling, accidental disclosure, or security violations.
- Support proper control and accountability in open storage areas or shared processing environments within SCI facilities.
In SCI and other high-security settings, where strict separation of classification levels is mandatory, the green UNCLASSIFIED label serves as an immediate visual cue. It is especially useful for:
- Hard drives and removable media
- Backup tapes and disks
- Computer equipment and peripherals in mixed-use areas
- Maintenance or contractor-supplied media
Note: Agencies may determine, as part of their risk management strategy, whether an unclassified label is required. When used, the standard SF 710 must be applied.
Regulatory Background
The SF 710 is part of the suite of standard security forms governed by national policy under Executive Order 13526 (Classified National Security Information) and detailed in 32 CFR Part 2001 and Part 2003. It appears alongside related forms such as:
- SF 706 – Top Secret Media Label
- SF 707 – Secret Media Label
- SF 708 – Confidential Media Label
- SF 711 – Data Descriptor Label
- SF 712 – Classified SCI Label
These forms are listed on the Information Security Oversight Office (ISOO) page at the National Archives and are referenced across DoD, Army (AR 380-5), Navy, and Air Force security programs.
The label must be applied so it does not adversely affect the operation of the equipment in which the medium is used.
Who Needs SF Form 710 Labels?
- U.S. Government agencies and DoD components operating SCI facilities
- Cleared contractors working in mixed classification environments (with sponsoring agency approval)
- Security managers, information systems security officers (ISSO), and personnel handling ADP media in secure facilities
- Maintenance teams and contractors requiring clear identification of unclassified media
Proper use of SF 710 supports compliance with National Industrial Security Program (NISP) requirements and agency-specific information security programs.
How to Order SF Form 710 (USA Government Users)?
U.S. Government departments, agencies, and offices can order SF 710 through the General Services Administration (GSA):
- Online: Visit GSA Global Supply or GSA Advantage
- Payment: Government purchase card or Activity Address Code (AAC)
- Stock Number: 7540-01-207-5539
Government contractors must have their government sponsor place the order or provide sponsorship.
For assistance, contact GSA Global Supply customer service at 800-525-8027 (Option 3). The form is produced under the Federal Prison Industries (UNICOR) program in many cases.
Downloadable Resources (for reference and procedural guidance):
Physical PDF
EPUB version
These links from Air Force e-Publishing provide additional context on physical security and handling procedures relevant to media labeling in secure facilities.
Best Practices for Using SF 710 Labels
- Apply the label clearly and securely to the media or external case.
- Ensure the label does not obstruct read/write mechanisms or cause mechanical issues.
- Combine with SF 711 Data Descriptor Label when additional details about the content are needed.
- Maintain inventory and accountability procedures for all media in SCI spaces.
- Train personnel on the full suite of classification labels to prevent cross-contamination of data.
In modern environments with Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), agencies may also use updated CUI markings alongside traditional SF labels where appropriate.
Conclusion
The SF Form 710 Unclassified Label remains an essential, standardized tool for maintaining information security discipline in SCI facilities and other DoD/government environments handling ADP media. Its simple green-and-white design delivers immediate visual clarity in complex mixed-classification workspaces, supporting compliance and reducing human error.
For official procurement, always use GSA channels with the correct NSN 7540-01-207-5539. Authorized users in the United States can order pads directly through government supply systems.
Keywords: SF 710, Unclassified Label, ADP media label, SCI facilities, SF Form 710, GSA NSN 7540-01-207-5539, classified media labeling, information security labels, DoD security forms.
This article is for informational purposes and reflects publicly available U.S. government sources as of 2026. Always consult your agency security officer or the latest version of 32 CFR Part 2001 for authoritative guidance.