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OPSEC Guidelines

Jul-25-2004 » Filed Under: Announcements

The Army's 1st Information Operations Command (Land), Vulnerability Assessment Division, OPSEC Section has provided a very useful presentation called, "OPSEC (Operations Security), A Guide For Family & Friends." Since the document we link to above is a PDF file and might take a while to download, I've copied the text and published it below. Please take a minute to read this, as it will serve as our official OPSEC policy.

Trying to understand what information is safe to reveal on a public website is difficult, but this document does a great job of explaining the restrictions. I've been looking for something like this for a while, so thank you to the reader who sent this.

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OPSEC (OPERATIONS SECURITY)
A Guide For Family and Friends

Presented by 1st Information Operations Command (Land), Vulnerability Assessment Division, OPSEC Section

“OPSEC is a vital element in protecting the Army’s soldiers and missions, and I want to stress how vital a role every member of the team plays in ensuring that we deny our adversaries potentially useful information. “Whether we are on duty or off duty, we cannot afford to let our guard down. Your diligence in OPSEC is key to ensuring our effectiveness in operations and our collective safety. Together, we will succeed.”

Maj. Gen. Keith B. Alexander
Commanding General
U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command

What Is OPSEC?

Operations Security, or OPSEC, is keeping potential adversaries from discovering our critical information. As the name suggests, it protects our operations – planned, in progress, and those completed. Success depends on secrecy and surprise, so the military can accomplish the mission faster and with less risk. Our adversaries want our information, and they don’t concentrate on only soldiers to get it. They want you, the family member.

Protecting Critical Information

Even though information may not be secret, it can be what we call “critical information.” Critical information deals with specific facts about military intentions, capabilities, operations or activities. If an adversary knew this detailed information, our mission accomplishment and personnel safety could be jeopardized. It must be protected to ensure an adversary doesn’t gain a significant advantage. By being a member of the military family, you will often know some bits of critical information. Do not discuss them outside of your immediate family and especially not over the telephone.

Examples Of Critical Information

• Detailed information about the mission of assigned units.
• Details on locations and times of unit deployments.
• Personnel transactions that occur in large numbers (Example: pay information, powers of attorney, wills, deployment information).
• References to trends in unit morale or personnel problems.
• Details concerning security procedures.

Puzzle Pieces

These bits of information may seem insignificant. However, to a trained adversary, they are small pieces of a puzzle that highlight what we’re doing and planning. Remember, the elements of security and surprise are vital to the accomplishment of our goals and our collective personnel protection.

• Where and how you discuss this information is just as important as with whom you discuss it. Adversary agents tasked with collecting information frequently visit some of the same stores, clubs, recreational areas, or places of worship as you do.
• Determined individuals can easily collect data from cordless and cellular phones, and even baby monitors, using inexpensive receivers available from local electronics stores.
• If anyone, especially a foreign national, persistently seeks information, notify your military sponsor immediately. He or she will notify the unit OPSEC program manager.

What Can You Do?

There are many countries and organizations that would like to harm Americans and degrade our influence in the world. It’s possible, and not unprecedented, for spouses and family members of U.S. military personnel to be targeted for intelligence collection. This is true in the United States and especially true overseas! What can you do?

Be Alert

Foreign governments and organizations collect significant amounts of useful information by using spies. A foreign agent may use a variety of approaches to befriend someone and get sensitive information. This sensitive information can be critical to the success of a terrorist or spy, and consequently deadly to Americans.

Be Careful

There may be times when your spouse cannot talk about the specifics of his or her job. It’s very important to conceal and protect certain information such as flight schedules, ship movements, temporary duty (TDY) locations, and installation activities, for example. Something as simple as a phone discussion about where your spouse is deploying, or going TDY, can be very useful to our enemies.

OPSEC IS A FAMILY AFFAIR - DISCUSS OPSEC WITH YOUR FAMILY

All Family Members Are Part Of The Army’s OPSEC Team. They Need To Protect Information To Ensure The Safety Of All Our Soldiers, Civilians, And Army Families.

You Are A Vital Player In Our Success!

As a family member of our military community, you are a vital player in our success, and we couldn’t do our job without your support. You may not know it, but you also play a crucial role in ensuring your loved one’s safety. You can protect your family and friends by protecting what you know of the military’s day-to-day operations. That’s OPSEC.

Thank You

Thank you for taking the time to read this guide. Our goal is to provide you with a greater understanding of the Army’s security concerns. The information in this guide is not intended to frighten you or make you suspicious that everyone you meet is a secret agent or terrorist. But stay alert – if a stranger shows excessive interest in the affairs of your family members, military or not, notify the authorities.


Comments For "OPSEC Guidelines":

Perfect.

Posted by: Anonymous | July 25, 2004 12:57 PM

This messege goes out to all the soldiers overseas - men and women alike. We are what you're fighting for. You've made our country so proud. To my fiance' Billy - I love you with every beat of my heart. Hurry home so we can get married. You're my hero, Cowboy, I miss you so much. Come home soon. With all my love - Your Baby Girl

Posted by: Misty | July 26, 2004 12:17 AM

As we said in the "Old Navy"; "Loose lips, sink ships".

Posted by: Tom Miller | July 26, 2004 6:22 PM

As we say in the Army... Old Navy sucks and so does the new.

Posted by: Stephanie | August 1, 2004 3:12 AM

This is to my new found friend, I hope that you are doing well........remeber you are always in my heart and dreams.....I miss you , and cant wait til you come home.

Posted by: Ruby Pogue | August 12, 2004 11:52 AM

I am the Mother of a Stryker soldier who wants to let not only my son, but all of you guys know, that the little town of Lake Havasu City, AZ. is very proud and supportive of your efforts. We love you!! Many thanks

Posted by: Shay Larson | August 14, 2004 9:03 AM

Hello, stryker family,
my son is also a stryker soldier.
and would like to say to all those
who serve, god bless and walk
with you.
love to you all.

Posted by: Anonymous | August 18, 2004 5:31 AM

MY SON IS IN THE MARINES BUT ALL THE SOLDIERS ARE FIGHTING FOR THE SAME REASON KEEPING AMERICA SAFE FOR ALL. THE LETTER TO KAREN TOUCHED ME SO MUCH. EVEN THOUGH I'M A MOM I HAVE THE SAME FEELINGS SCARED OF THE CALLS, DOOR BELLS, AND PRAYING FOR THE SAFE RETURN HOME . GOD IS OUR PROTECTOR, HE IS OUR STRENGTH, CLING TO HIM AND HE WILL GIVE US PEACE. THAT IS ALL I CAN DO FROM DAY TO DAY. MAY GOD BLESS ALL THE MILITARY AND OUR COUNTRY.

MARINE MOM FROM GEORGIA

Posted by: LORI | August 28, 2004 6:04 AM

I too am a Stryker mom, God bless the "boys" and their families.
Linda Bitto

Posted by: Linda Bitto | September 13, 2004 5:57 PM

Yes

Posted by: Judy Ross | October 3, 2004 8:26 PM

Amen, I just wanted to say to all of the men and women and there family. I did not understand how much the millitary meant to me and know that I have my boyfriend over there it has been a great lession for me.. So I wanted to say that washington Loves and cares alot about our millitary, we are parying our friends and family home... We love you and your doing a great job and remember there is not I in TEAM work together and come home safly ... Thank You!!!!!

Posted by: Jamie | October 7, 2004 7:21 PM

I TIED A YELLOW RIBBON

I tied a yellow ribbon around a tree today
and as I tied the bow I said to God in pray:
-Dear Lord, today my son with honor will depart.
He is a faithfull soldier and he will be in Iraq.
Protect his life and also of his companion friends.
May your care abide, your angels send to them.

I tied a yellow ribbon, today my son departs
to defend our Nation in those fields of Iraq.
I sent my son a message in which a clearly said;
Don't worry trust the Lord he will return you safe.

I sent to God a prayer, I sent to God a song,
His spirit came to embrace me and put peace in my soul.

(My son, SSG FR 1st Brigade/25th. Infantry Division, Second Styker Bridage departed to Mosul Thursday October 7,2004)

Posted by: Dr. Noemi De La Rosa | October 8, 2004 11:28 AM

I would like to take this time to let all of our armed forces know how proud I am of all of them.Because of you I can hold my head high and be proud to be an american!If it weren't for you we would be fighting over here.Don't ever doubt what your doing or what you stand for.You are the best and we are so proud of you!!!!!!!May God keep you safe and bring you home safe!!!!!!!!!!
Mother of two soldiers

Posted by: Pam Magni | October 11, 2004 2:11 PM

I, too, am a Stryker Brigade soldier's mom. I will be keeping all our soldiers in my prayers. I proudly display on my car the Stryker Brigade yellow ribbon. May God be with you all.
Alta Austin

Posted by: Alta Austin | October 17, 2004 10:45 AM

I just want to say to every miltary person out there...THANK YOU...for what you do. Be safe and remember we love and support you. I dont have any family or friends that are in the military but I feel that it is very important that you know that we do appreciate everything you are doing to keep America safe.

Posted by: CHRISTINA | October 17, 2004 1:52 PM

i am very happy to have found this site today. my daughter-in-law told me about it. she knows i am desperate for any news about or contact with the newly deployed sbcts. trying not to be too specific. i would enjoy any contact from other mothers with similar situation. i did not expect to be as stressed as i am...i am not a wimp usually. but this is my only son, the light of my life, and i guess it is ok to feel scared. news helps a lot but i guess they havent been processed yet so no word is forthcoming. i learned on an ako chatline that it may be much longer. please, if it is kosher, give a shout out to me if you also have offspring over there. i am so proud of all our soldiers.

Posted by: kim gleckler | October 17, 2004 2:42 PM

Greetings from L.A. (lower Alabama) to all our Military Personnel in Iraq. We love and support you! There are millions of us praying for your safety and your safe return. I am a Stryker Mom also. Remember that God is watching over each of you and that there are Angels all around you.
Love and God Bless, LA Mom

Posted by: Patti Bell | October 17, 2004 3:31 PM

I LOVE YOU TRAVIS MCCLEARY
I WANT YOU HOME WITH UR FAMILY

Posted by: Tiffany McCleary | October 17, 2004 4:00 PM

Has anyone heard from the 73d Eng Co? Any details/pictures?

Mom awaiting....

Posted by: Anonymous | October 18, 2004 10:18 AM

Will there be up dates on the web-site for the 73d ENG Co? Son is assigned to their 4th platoon.
Mom awaiting up dates/photo?

I wish you lady bugs..SPC Creampuff

Posted by: Rebecca Hout | October 19, 2004 7:22 PM

I'm so glad to have discovered this site. I don't feel so alone here in Europe anymore. God protect our soldiers. They're doing such a good job. Granny

Posted by: Granny | October 25, 2004 10:32 AM

I am so proud of all our soldiers that are serving our country. Our son too is with the Strykers having just left first part of October. If we didn't pray before, we must start now. Thanks to all of you and you are never out of our thoughts.
Johns Stryker Mom

Posted by: Stevie | October 25, 2004 9:53 PM

To all of the 1-23 IN REGT soldiers. Great job and welcome home. You have surely served your country well and I know that losing your friends must have been difficult. May God Bless you all as you return to your familes and remember that God is always watching and taking care of you so give him the glory he deserves.

Take care old friends.

Posted by: Robert Llanes | October 26, 2004 1:28 PM

I wish there was some way we "old geezers" could do something to insure the safety of the young men and women now in harms way. So much potential......so little time.

Posted by: stryker-in-law | October 26, 2004 4:46 PM

God Love You, My prayers are with you
From a W W 2 Grunt (Americal Div)

Posted by: Kenneth | October 28, 2004 7:01 PM

I'm the Dad of a Stryker soldier serving at a FOB. Proud and worried sick at the same time. Our prayers are with all of them.

Posted by: JohnG | November 2, 2004 7:57 AM

I pray that our soldiers' bodies are strong, heads are clear, and that they take care of eachother in every way. God bless all of you that are family and friends to a Stryker soldier and may He place a calming hand over your heart. And to the guys- we love you all and there are no words for how much we appreciate the sacrafice you've made to protect us and maintain our freedoms!
From, a Stryker wife who is full of faith!

Posted by: Jess | November 9, 2004 6:37 PM

Go With God...
We here, will Keep you in his Light!
Infinite Pride & Admiration to Every One of You!
LOVE ... Shrek's Ma

Posted by: Vikki | November 10, 2004 7:11 AM

yes

Posted by: Jessica | November 10, 2004 7:09 PM

God is watching you and we miss you and love you be safe and we pray every day.come home soon so we can make that baby.

Posted by: Jesscia Sarjeant | November 10, 2004 7:17 PM

Thank you for a great site. My son is with the 1/151st AV also in Mosul. Their unit does not have a web site so I follow your site for information. It is addicting. I feel as if I am paying homage to these brave people by visiting your site. Keep up the good work.

Posted by: madjack | November 12, 2004 6:26 AM

I'm a styker wife and just want the soldiers to know that they are missed and loved. Keep up the good work and remember your families and friends are behind you 100%. HOOAH BSB!!!!

God bless all of you who service in our Military.

Posted by: Kristy Savedra | November 13, 2004 1:55 PM

This was sent to me by a cousin living in FLA. Our son-in-law is a US Marine stationed in Japan with our daughter and two little ones. We are so very proud of all our young men and women; also, the families they have left behind. May God bless each and every one of them and keep them in His care. SW, Zelienople, PA

Posted by: Shirley Wahl | November 14, 2004 8:06 AM

I am a HHC 1/25 Stryker Wife. To my husbanr Brian you are my and our Kids's HERO. We continue to Pray for you and all the soldiers in Iraq for your safety and God's speed back home to us. We Love you and Miss you very very much.

Posted by: Stacy Reed | November 16, 2004 5:37 PM

I am disappointed with all news outlets with regards to information provided when Marines and soldiers are engaged in combat situations. I am a veteran of the 25th Infantry Division. I have seen only one reference to the 5th Infantry "Bobcat" Regiment during the past two weeks. The 25th ID in terms of the number of Medals of Honor awarded ranks 2nd, behind the magnificent 3rd Infantry Division. Sadly, Fox News is NOT fair and balanced with regards to Army and Marine reporting. Mike Creasman, YEA Wolfhound!

Posted by: Mike Creasman | November 17, 2004 9:09 AM

I am a stryker wife and I was just curious if anyone has any pictures or if anyone wanted ta talk about curent updates

Posted by: Talena | November 18, 2004 11:33 AM

HEY, THAT IS MY COUSIN, COME BACK SAFE

Posted by: MATT ROGERS | November 18, 2004 3:19 PM

JUST WANTED TO LET MY HUSBAND SPEC.ANGELO JARAMILLO 3/25 INF " I LOVE YOU BABY AND CAN'T WAIT TILL YOUR HOME"

Posted by: VANESSA JARAMILLO | November 27, 2004 6:46 PM


L. Barry Brown ....a military wife has come to hunt you down until I get an APO address. How Can I send care packages...with out one. Not a day goes by that I don't wonder about you. A little news would help your sister unglue herself from the news. Silence is maddening.

Jackie Feuerbacher

Posted by: Jackie Feuerbacher | November 29, 2004 5:15 PM

WOW !!! Im lost for words but "FULL" of emotions. My kid brother is 1st Brigade,25th Infintry Div.C Co. 3/21.He is out there with the rest of our loved ones doing the best they can. We all are proud of you guys and want you to come home safe. LeeBee, your big brother misses you buddy. Take care and see you soon.

Posted by: Shawn (SCV) | November 30, 2004 8:33 PM

I used to command C/2-14. The photos of my soldiers (I still think of them as mine) were great. If any of you guys read this, I am thinking of you and praying for you everyday. Take care of each other.

Posted by: Stauffer | December 1, 2004 11:55 AM

Joshua, We continue praying for you and your batallion! I love you.
Aunt Jane

Posted by: Aunt Jane | December 15, 2004 4:00 PM

james we love ya keep up the good work and merry christmas.

Posted by: james spinks | December 18, 2004 2:04 PM

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