OPSEC: Every Airman’s security responsibility

  • Published
  • By Tyler Hemstreet
  • Staff writer
MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  "Zip it! Careless talk costs lives" was a phrase circulated on countless U.S. and English World War II propaganda posters. 

While the phrase may not be as well known today, the U.S. military's concern that servicemembers might casually leak sensitive military information is still very much an issue. 

The operational security program helps prevent the inadvertent compromise of sensitive U.S. government activities, capabilities or intentions through an adversary's collection of unclassified information. It helps identify, control and protect generally unclassified ed information from falling into the wrong hands.
 
The information can be gained from all kinds of sources, including the trash, Web sites and overheard conversations. Additionally, the program emphasizes that even casual questions about military operations, when put together, can reveal sensitive details that endanger the mission. 

"OPSEC is everybody's business," said Mike Mc- Clendon, 62nd Airlift Wing OPSEC program manager. "A successful OPSEC program contributes to mission success and assists force protection and antiterrorism. OPSEC is a mindset and should be integrated into all operations and practiced 24/7/365. Commanders should encourage personnel to use OPSEC measures to protect both personal and work-related information." 

Mr. McClendon said that OPSEC is a commander's program and each squadron and wing staff agency has a person who serves as an OPSEC coordinator. The coordinators are responsible for teach their colleagues how to recognize and protect sensitive information. 

Each member of Team McChord should know and use their Critical Information List, which helps them protect critical information. Also, a joint McChord/Grand Forks CIL has been developed for the MOBEX/ORI, which Airmen can get by contacting their OPSEC coordinator. 

"The [Defense Department] is no different than any big company in America. What we can't do is let security concerns trump doing business. We have to do business," Price Floyd, the principal deputy assistant secretary of defense for public affairs told a blog site recently. "Companies in the private sector that have policies like us don't dare shut down their Web sites. They have to sell their products and ideas -- and this is how it's done. 

"OPSEC needs to catch up with this stuff. This is the modern equivalent of sending a letter home from the front lines," he added. "OPSEC needs to be considered on this stuff, but the more our troops do this stuff, the better off we are." 

If someone has a question about certain information or believes information is vulnerable, they should notify their OPSEC coordinator immediately.