'We are going to RED alert' There are endless procedures about handling classified information. You are dealing with state secrets, girding for war, and what h

'We are going to RED alert' There are endless procedures about handling classified information. You are dealing with state secrets, girding for war, and what have you. From the perspective of security, you are 'arming' your system when you go to secure mode. It is not the time to relax because you are 'safe' (safe from evesdropping), but a time to watch every word - the President has access to information that he should not share with many people who are cleared; you need to be cautious and circumspect. Red is entirely appropriate in that mindset. Secure is a burden, a huge responsibility.