See, that part is correct. An appropriate authority must provide the classification of a material before it's released. Everything coming out of the DoD has a release authority attached to it. Every picture of two people shaking hands is 'released' by the DoD...
But the whole idea of a pledge before showing up to a press pool is downright silly.
"Well, yes, Queef Hegseth, I didn't use any outside materials, the coauthors of the piece did though and my editor included it. Nothing I could do."
Goes both ways, buy the homies a gift.
Also, know their birthdays and things.