Operations Security vital in our changing world

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Lindsey Hahn
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Operations Security should be at the forefront of our minds during the upcoming Operational Readiness Inspection, as it should during all military activities.

Operations Security, designed to ensure our critical information does not fall into the wrong hands, encourages heightened awareness and proper OPSEC procedures by all personnel and is our first line of defense against adversaries.

Critical information is defined as any friendly operations and activities which, individually or in aggregate, reveal positive details about capabilities and intentions, and require protection from foreign intelligence collection and exploitation. Even what seems to be an insignificant piece of information, for example, an old contact list thrown in the trash, can be used by a trained adversary like a puzzle piece to the larger picture.

Think of the 60th Air Mobility Wing's critical information like you do your wallet. Although some of the information in your wallet such as a dollar bill would not be something you would feel the need to hide from public view, your credit card numbers or social security card should always be hidden away.

Remember, insiders are a threat against OPSEC. Our activities, conversations, and communications are subject to monitoring by any adversary with equipment as primitive as a baby monitor or even their own ears. Pay attention to your activities. Do not engage in "shop talk" in public where unknown people are in the vicinity, use secure telephone units whenever possible and pay attention to what you throw away or leave anywhere with public access. Always minimize the amount of communication you transmit over fax, email or through open conversation.

Practicing good OPSEC is everyone's, military or civilian, responsibility. Your support and participation in proper OPSEC procedures is vital to ensure our operations are kept safe.

Any questions regarding OPSEC matters can be handled through your unit program monitor or the 60th AMW OPSEC Program Managers, Capt. Nicholas Kreiser at 424-3261 or Ms. Cheryl Brown at 424-3345.