Is there a minimum elapsed time required before a classified document can become declassified in the U.S.?

Question

Is there a minimum elapsed time required before a classified document can become declassified in the U.S.? I am wondering if any classified document can become unclassified at any time or not. I am thinking there's a minimum elapsed time, but I might be wrong.

score 12 · Accepted Answer · answered Aug 14 '21 at 00:18

No. A classification decision can be reversed by an original classification authority at any time, and the “declassify by” date on a classified document can be arbitrarily close. For instance, a military order might be set for automatic declassification once the operation is complete.

Is there a minimum elapsed time required before a classified document can become declassified in the U.S.?

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