During the emergency destruction of classified material, which material should be destroyed first?

The correct answer is B, Top Secret special access material. In the hierarchy of classified materials, the destruction priority is based on the level of classification and the sensitivity of the information involved.

Top Secret special access material represents the highest level of classified information, which, if compromised, could cause exceptionally grave damage to national security. Therefore, during an emergency destruction process, it is imperative to secure this material first, to mitigate any potential risks associated with its unauthorized disclosure.

The other classifications, such as Secret COMSEC, Secret special access, and Confidential COMSEC, are important but do not carry the same level of urgency and potential impact on national security as Top Secret special access material. Thus, they would be prioritized for destruction only after the most sensitive material has been addressed. This systematic approach ensures that the most critical information is safeguarded properly in times of emergency.