Operational Security

OPSEC

Operational Security, or OPSEC, is keeping potential threats from discovering our mission or any critical information. For Example critical information including information about the mission of United States assigned units, locations and time of deployments, communications, the military’s equipment, and weapons. If these materials or information got into the enemy’s hands the lives of not us the soldiers but civilians, and our allies could all be in danger. From the Army, to posts, and down to actual military units, a standard of what needs to happen to ensure that our information does not make it into our enemies has been put into place.

If the enemy knew any tactical movements or deployments, they could plan an attack as the units were in transition, or change their tactics when the new unit takes over so that old strategies wouldn’t work for the new unit. If a radio with the right information and frequencies were stolen or discovered by an enemy, they would be able to know every move that friendly’s were making and planning on making. Which the enemy could set up dangerous ambushes or move positions.

An example of what would happen upon notification of a lost or stolen in my case sensitive item is that first the entire chain of command and PMO will be notified. The chain of command will continuly be updated as necessary. If needed a search for the missing items will take place. Unless of course stolen or left somewhere. If any weapons or ammo was lost or taken and soldiers are in a field environment. A detailed search will take plave to include a complete inventory of weapons and sensitive items. The unit will remain in the field or in the unit area until the weapon or sensitive item is found or the unit receives a release from the search from a Senior NCO or General Officer in the chain of command. Also inspecting barracks or work could take place.

Operations security (OPSEC) is a process that identifies critical information to determine if...