There is ONE Original Classification Authority (OCA)- The President. He may designate additional authorities by Executive Order/Memorandum, but that’s it. All the rest of classification authority are derived from those individuals and/or resulting regulations that ultimately point back to them.
Mostly what you’ll see in any classified document are markings that include the OCA or the directive/statute/regulation that derives its authority from the originator. Classification Authority, Classfied By, dates, declassify on......and so on. There also may be additional markings with regard to what regulation guidelines govern the classification and use.
Good points. You also are required to have a need to know to read a classified document. You just can’t read any classified document you choose to. Which brings up a very good point about the FIBs.