Which statement accurately describes the authentication requirement for a CGEAL?

• A. It must be authenticated by an SF member at or above E-5
• B. It can be signed by anyone with clearance
• C. It requires no authentication
• D. It is signed by the mission commander only

Answer: (A)

Authentication of a CGEAL is handled by someone who has the authority and training to verify and attest its validity. A Security Forces member at or above the rank of E-5 is the designated signer because they’re the trained personnel responsible for confirming the document’s identity, integrity, and proper handling. This ensures proper chain-of-custody and accountability, reducing the risk of forgery or unauthorized changes.

Signing by anyone with clearance isn’t enough because clearance doesn’t automatically grant the authority to authenticate. No authentication would leave the document vulnerable to tampering or disputes, and having the mission commander sign exclusively isn’t the standard practice either, since authentication duties are assigned to trained SF personnel to maintain proper separation of duties.