Is it true that CMI cannot be disclosed to foreign nationals until a security assurance is obtained?

The statement is true because Critical Military Information (CMI) is sensitive information that, if disclosed to foreign nationals, could potentially jeopardize U.S. military operations or national security. A security assurance serves as a safeguard, ensuring that the recipient country has the necessary agreements or channels in place to protect the information from unauthorized access or leaks.

This requirement is rooted in the need to maintain operational security and to comply with national security policies. Obtaining a security assurance is a part of the Foreign Disclosure process, which involves evaluating the level of risk associated with sharing certain sensitive information with foreign entities. Until such assurances are in place, the disclosure of CMI is generally restricted to mitigate risks to U.S. interests.

Other options may suggest scenarios where CMI could be disclosed without a security assurance or imply conditions under which it is acceptable to bypass this security measure. However, standard practice dictates that the protection of sensitive military information is paramount, reiterating the importance of security assurances prior to any disclosures.