Why is it important to maintain confidentiality of PQS records?

• A. They are publicly available in the unit library.
• B. They contain only scheduling details.
• C. They contain personnel qualifications and performance information; unauthorized access could compromise privacy and security.
• D. They can be shared with guests for transparency.

Answer: (C)

Confidentiality of PQS records is crucial because these files hold personnel qualifications and performance information. That data is personal and sensitive; exposing it to unauthorized people could invade privacy, enable identity misuse, or compromise security within the unit. Keeping these records restricted protects the individual’s privacy, maintains trust, and helps ensure that only those with a legitimate need to know can access certification statuses, assessments, and progression details. Public access, sharing with guests, or treating the records as merely scheduling details would undermine privacy and security and could jeopardize both the member and mission readiness.