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Memo TypesCOMSEC Custodian (COMSEC_CUSTODIAN)
COMSEC_CUSTODIAN APPOINTMENT MEMO

COMSEC Custodian Appointment Memorandum (COMSEC_CUSTODIAN)

The COMSEC Custodian appointment memorandum is an AR 25-50 compliant memorandum used to formally designate a Soldier or DA Civilian to serve as the unit's COMSEC Custodian. It documents the appointee, references AR 380-40 (Safeguarding and Controlling Communications Security (COMSEC) Material), and is signed by the commander.

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Regulation reference

AR 380-40Safeguarding and Controlling Communications Security (COMSEC) Material (30 June 2000)
Citation: Chapter 2, Chapter 8
Proponent: G-2 / USACCSLA
Grade requirement: E-5 (SGT) or GS-4 minimum
Slots: Primary + Alternate per COMSEC account
Memo type: MEMORANDUM FOR

When is the COMSEC_CUSTODIAN memo needed?

Most Army units appoint a COMSEC Custodian (COMSEC_CUSTODIAN) when a new commander takes charge, when the previous appointee PCSes, ETSes, or is reassigned, or when the unit's mission set changes in a way that requires renewed appointment. The memo is also required for unit inspections — including CIP, CCIR, and command climate reviews — where the AR 380-40 program is evaluated.

The appointment memorandum is the foundational document that establishes the appointee's authority under AR 380-40. Without a current, signed appointment memo on file, the unit's COMSEC Custodian program is non-compliant — even if the appointee has all required training certificates. Inspectors will look for: a signed memo with current date, a grade that meets E-5 (SGT) or GS-4 minimum, and training/certification documents matching the appointee on the memo.

On EvalMe, the COMSEC_CUSTODIAN memo is one of 39 AR 25-50 templates that auto-cites the correct regulation, uses the proper format, and integrates with your unit's address book and signature blocks.

Required training for COMSEC_CUSTODIAN

Standardized COMSEC Custodian Course (SCCC)
System: USACCSLA
Duration: 2 weeks
Timing: BEFORE appointment (MANDATORY)
Frequency: One-time initial
Available through ATRRS. MANDATORY before DA Form 2012 appointment.
Army Key Management System (AKMS) Training
System: USACCSLA
Timing: After SCCC, before AKMS duties
Frequency: Initial + system upgrades
Required before AKMS account custodian duties
DACAP Enrollment
System: Unit Security Manager / S-2
Timing: Before assuming COMSEC duties
Frequency: One-time + periodic reinvestigation
Department of the Army Cryptographic Access Program

Documentation required on file

  • DA Form 2012 (COMSEC Account Data Form) — the actual appointment instrument
  • SCCC graduation certificate
  • Clearance verification memorandum from Security Manager
  • DACAP enrollment documentation
  • AKMS training certificate
  • COMSEC Account SOP
  • COMSEC Account Emergency Plan (quarterly drills)
  • DA Form 2653-R (COMSEC Account Daily Shift Inventory)
  • Standard Forms 700/701/702 (security container records)
  • Item Register (IR) cards for all material
  • Telephone Monitoring Decals (DD Form 2056)

What inspectors look for

Verify SCCC graduation and current appointment via DA Form 2012. Verify DACAP enrollment current. Confirm SECRET (minimum) clearance current. Review physical inventory of all COMSEC material. Verify Daily Shift Inventory maintained. Verify Emergency Plan and quarterly drills documented. Check Two-Person Integrity (TPI) procedures for Positive Control Material. Verify security container combinations changed per AR 380-5. Confirm Standard Forms 700/701/702 maintained.

Additional notes

CRITICAL PREREQUISITES: MUST be SCCC graduate BEFORE DA Form 2012 appointment. MUST have at least 1 year remaining in command after SCCC graduation. MUST be enrolled in DACAP. MUST have clearance verification memorandum BEFORE SCCC attendance. MODERN NOTES: STU-III (referenced in older regulations) was retired in 2009; STE is being phased out; current standard is Sectéra vIPer. AKMS is legacy framework transitioning to KMI/AKMI.

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