NOFORN

Intermediate 🎖️ Military / Defense

Definition

No Foreign Nationals—a classification marking indicating information cannot be shared with non-U.S. personnel, even allies. Because friendship has limits, especially when secrets are involved.

Example Usage

This intelligence brief is classified Secret NOFORN, so our coalition partners can't attend.

Origin

U.S. classification system markings developed during the Cold War

Fun Fact

NOFORN creates awkward moments in joint operations when allied commanders can't be briefed on operations they're supposed to support—bureaucracy at its finest.

Source: U.S. security classification guidelines and Executive Orders