What term describes a cleared contractor employee who occasionally hand carries classified material to its destination during a classified visit, with the material remaining in the hand carrier's personal possession except for authorized overnight storage?

• A. Hand carrier
• B. Courier
• C. Escort
• D. Custodian

Answer: (A)

Hand carrying classified material means that the person physically carries the material during transit, keeping it on their person rather than placing it in a secure container or handing it off to a courier. The scenario describes a cleared contractor who, during a classified visit, occasionally carries the material to its destination and retains personal possession of it, except for authorized overnight storage. That direct personal possession and transport during a visit is precisely what the term hand carrier conveys.

A courier would imply formal custody and transport in a secure container under an established chain of custody, not material kept in the carrier’s personal possession. An escort is someone who accompanies or protects the movement but does not describe the role of the person carrying the material. A custodian is responsible for safekeeping of classified material within a controlled environment, not typically for hand-carrying during travel.