[arthurus]

Those compartments actually constitute categories that are above Top Secret though not Above(capitalized, officially)) Top Secret, in that they are accessible to fewer people than is simple Top Secret. In the AF Security Service way back in 1970 such compartmentalizations were routinely, tough not officially, referred to as "above Top Secret." I had one of those above Top Secret clearances, specifically TSCW.

[trebb]

Those compartments actually constitute categories that are above Top Secret though not Above(capitalized, officially)) Top Secret, in that they are accessible to fewer people than is simple Top Secret. In the AF Security Service way back in 1970 such compartmentalizations were routinely, tough not officially, referred to as "above Top Secret." I had one of those above Top Secret clearances, specifically TSCW.

I also had compartmented clearances over my 24 years in uniform and 15 years as a DOD Civilian. And I spent many years as a SSO/SSA/Security Manager (and in the "revamped" Security Service which became the Electronic Security Command - TS is the highest classification and the compartmented accesses (vs clearances) are based on the gravity of the TS info being protected.

There are different "flavors" of TS, but it remains the highest actual classification.

I believe they organized it like that to keep from having a plethora of clearance levels. A lot of the compartmented accesses require polygraphs and extra background checks.

Looks like we both had similar jobs during our careers. God Bless for your service to our country.