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Understanding OPSEC Helps Keep Us All Safer

Sep-10-2005 » Filed Under: General Military

A timely reminder From U.S. Army Alaska.
Link to Full Article

Mark Hazard
Garrison Operations

U.S. ARMY ALASKA – Operations Security by definition is an analytic process used to deny an adversary information about our intentions and capabilities. We do this by identifying, controlling and protecting indicators associated with our planning processes or operations. OPSEC does not replace other security disciplines - it supplements them.

OPSEC needs to be taken seriously, and we must be cautious of what we put on the Internet. The enemy is a pro at exploiting OPSEC vulnerabilities. He reads the information we provide on open sources that knowledge against us.

Sensitive information such as photos depicting weapon systems vulnerabilities continues to be posted on the Internet. Such OPSEC violations needlessly place lives at risk and degrade the effectiveness of our operations.

The enemy is a vast force using every resource available to strengthen their position. Protecting friendly information is vital to the success of our OPSEC mission. It is critical to remember that negligent or unauthorized release of sensitive photos is a serious threat.

We can incorporate OPSEC into our everyday routine and become more aware of what we send out, to whom we send it to and for what purpose. Look through the eyes of our enemies and look for what knowledge they may gain.

If the information is in question and you are not on a secure network, do not send it or place it on a Web Site.

Ask yourself, “What could an adversary glean from the knowledge of this activity? Is it revealing information about what we do and how we do it?”

Practicing OPSEC will help accomplish your goals.

Our enemy was able to take us by surprise Sept. 11 and our country will never be the same. To bring the enemy to justice we need to maintain the element of surprise.

Every aspect of our operations is more sensitive than ever before and we must guard our country and ourselves so that what transpired on Sept. 11 will not be repeated.

The future of America depends on changing the way we look at security and our vulnerabilities.

OPSEC can only make a difference with help from each and every one of us.


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