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Operations security, everyone's responsibility

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Daniel Crum
  • 7th Information Operations Flight
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  In warfare throughout the ages, information has been the key - those who have it usually conquer those who don't.

The protection of operations information is even more vital today, with the advent of lightening-fast information sharing technology. That is why servicemembers must always practice operations security.

OPSEC is a high interest program designed to protect Department of Defense personnel and resources in order to ensure mission success.

In July, 7th Air Force had a 483 percent increase in OPSEC disclosures compared to June.

From recall rosters to distinguished visitor movements, all DOD personnel need to protect and secure operational information.

"Our successful employment of OPSEC measures can prevent injury and even death of Seventh Air Force servicemembers," said Capt. Karen M. Barth, 7th Air Force OPSEC officer. "For example, even a small piece of disclosed information on an upcoming operation could enable our adversary to interdict or target our personnel or aircraft."

Just a few simple practices can improve the current OPSEC posture:

1. Look before you send. A critical information list that details what you cannot discuss over unclassified phones or e-mails should be posted next to every phone, fax and computer system in your office. If there is not a CIL next to your phone, contact your OPSEC point of contact to request one.

2. If you discover an OPSEC disclosure, report it immediately to your OPSEC point of contact. OPSEC is a non-retribution program.

3. Do not ''talk around'' a sensitive subject. Pieces of unclassified information can be put together over time to reveal the big picture. Just go secure.

4. 7th Air Force has implemented a 100 percent shred policy for all paper, both operational and personal. Every office should have access to a shredder, and no paper should be placed in the trash. One man's garbage is another man's treasure.

5. Always be mindful of what you say on and off base. You never know who might be listening or trying to collect information from you. If someone is asking too many questions, report the incident to Air Force Office of Special Investigations.

6. Lastly, don't post operational information in a blog. This information can be reviewed and exploited by the entire world. Small bits of any information may provide the ''Rosetta Stone'' our adversary needs to disrupt or destroy our operational capability.

"We know our unclassified communications are monitored," said Captain Barth. "Therefore, it is absolutely critical that we watch what we say over unclassified means and in open areas. You never know who may be listening, and OPSEC is everyone's responsibility."

For more information, contact a unit OPSEC point of contact or the 7th AF OPSEC program managers, 1st Lt. Stanley Wong at 784-8617 or Tech. Sgt. Glenn Desormeau at 784-9788.