Operations Security (OPSEC)
Operations Security (OPSEC)
This list is rapidly growing (HooYah) and now may be a good time to remind not only the newcomers but all of us about certain Navy security issues. Many Navy dads, family members and friends are new to the Navy (or perhaps the military in general) and should keep in mind something the Navy refers to as Operations Security (OPSEC). As proud parents of our sailors, we want to let the world know of their accomplishments as well as our immense pride in them. Sometimes we get so excited about our sons or daughters Navy life we can't wait to share the news. This is when we need to be reminded of OPSEC. The following information is given out on the Family Readiness Group from the public website of the USS Truman (CVN-75) and stresses points we all need to follow:
"....rumors will fly about the ships schedule. The command is committed to keeping Sailors and families informed and getting schedule updates to you as soon as practical. Flexibility is the key. Navy schedules do change but the command will keep its crew and families informed. The best way for family members to keep informed is to attend the Family Readiness Group meetings every month and to avoid listening to or spreading rumors. The command will only release official schedule updates so why rely on rumors and hearsay?
With the knowledge of the ship’s schedule we must all remember Operations Security (OPSEC) in order to guard this information and protect our Sailors from those who may use schedule information for harmful purposes. Schedule information should NEVER go in an e-mail, over the phone, posted on websites, discussed in public or on Facebook, Twitter etc. PROTECT SCHEDULE information.
Listed below are the OPSEC rules, remember they keep our loved ones safe.
OPSEC Rules:
• Don’t discuss future destinations or ports of call
• Don’t discuss future operations, exercises or missions (including Family Day Cruises)
• Don’t discuss dates and times of when we will be in port or conducting exercises
• Don’t discuss readiness issues and numbers
• Don’t discuss specific training equipment or lack thereof
• Don’t speculate about future operations
• Don’t spread rumors about current, future, or past operations or movements
• Don’t discuss deployment or homecoming dates
• Don’t assume the enemy is not trying to collect information; they always are
• Don't discuss Security Procedures, movements, or arms
• Be smart, use your head, and always think OPSEC when using email, phone, chat rooms and message boards. There is no guarantee that a chat room or forum described as 'military' has any security for transmitting information or restricting membership to military personnel and their families only
"REMEMBER, OPSEC SAVES LIVES”
OPSEC is ship or operations specific and doesn't have anything to do with your sailors accomplishments in boot camp, “A” or “C” schools or rate increases or any other info that is personal in nature. Take pride in your sailor and share it with us all!! This is a great open forum that we have and in order to keep it that way we need to remember OPSEC. Basically, just remember this: if the information is shared on a public Navy website or newspaper, then it's ok to post and discuss that information on Navy Dads. When operational information comes directly to us from our sailors that is when we need to apply the OPSEC rules.
Not to diminish the importance of OPSEC, but you will remember this:
Do you like OPSEC and ham?
I do not get it, Sam I am.
I do not get OPSEC and ham.
We must use it here and there.
We must use it everywhere.
You CAN share it in a car.
But you CANNOT in a bar.
You CANNOT share it in a text.
You CANNOT share it at the NEX.
You CAN say it in your house.
But should NOT tell a random spouse.
You CAN say it in the shower.
But do NOT go sharing at happy hour.
DON'T make the Ombudsman sweat.
DON'T post it on the internet.
You CANNOT share it in a tweet.
That would not be very sweet.
Beware of Facebook and Myspace too.
It's tempting to let your feelings through.
You Cannot tell it to a friend.
NOT even at the very end.
It is a privilege to know a date.
DON'T tell ANYONE or they may be late!
Oh, I get it, Sam I am.
Now I get OPSEC and ham!
I will not tell anyone. I will keep hushed until they're done!
I will not tell him or her. I will not tell my dog with fur.
I will not tell my child's teacher. I will not tell any creature.
Thank you, THANK YOU, Sam I am.
Thank you for clearing up OPSEC and Ham!!!
- App Store: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/opsec/id1031272509?mt=8
- GooglePlay: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tracen.opsec
Below is a link to a PDF presentation from the NAVY regarding OPSEC and the use of social media......
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by John on
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Dear Katie,
I believe my son is under way now. He just dropped off the "Cell Phone Radar Screen", so to speak, the other day. He is my oldest son, so he is special in that regard. Thanks for your kind words and prayers. Our Sailors need Our Heavenly Father's protection, and may they Trust in Him, and Seek His Face, while it is Today.
Thanks again, warmly, john.
katie99 said:John,
I learned ten years ago that my son's safety along with everyone elses relies on these rules. Thank you for posting them. He will however call me when he is ON THE WAY TO THE BOAT.....to me that means Mama
I could tell you where I am going but then I would have to kill you....lol. His life and the lives of many others depend on that and sometimes that is hard for the parents not to know but trust me I would rather he be safe than know everything. I love my son very much and he is my only son so it was quite difficult for me to let him go but that is exactly what I did. I hear from him when he is home, ask very few questions because I will not compromise the security of our Navy, Army, or any other branch of the military. I just pray.......God has been good and he has protected my son, as well as my son inlawwhen I knew in my heart they were in harms way.God bless all the military and their commintment to serve our country and to protect us from those threats we do not know about.
I wish your family the very best and may God be right there beside your son.
Kay
katie99 said:John said:Greetings All.
just yesterday dropped off my son at Kings Bay. WOW !!! Talk about OPSEC .....!! and his rate puts him in an even more sensitive sphere of info and knowledge.
Needless to say, his old-man is so very proud of him.
Pray for our Sailors, that they would be safe from ALL enemies, DOMESTIC and foreign.
Cordially, john
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Permalink Reply by katie99 on
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When I really just cannot stand another moment without hearing his voice, i call his cell, ever though i know he is out to sea. for just a moment i hear the message and I listen to my sons voice. Somehow it is comforting to me. He laughs when he gets home because I leave him a message and just tell him that i know he cannot get the message until he gets off the boat but tell him that I Love him so much, miss him terribly and to understand because i just needed to hear his voice. i think he appreciates it actually to know that no matter where he is Mama loves him and is thinking of him. That will never change as long as i live. He was on the ship for ten days and i left im three messages so when he got off the boat and heard them he called me and said Mama I LOVE YOU TOO and I missed you too! So that is my way of hearing from him yet not actually speaking with him. Call me crazy but it gives me such comfort just to hear his voice on that phone even though it says the same thing everytime...lol It is my son i hear.....Thank god or cell phones because without them I would not have that little moment of peace. God bless and keep your son safe. Know in your heart that there are those that feel the exact same feeling that you do and we are right here. Take care and go ahead and call his phone....i hope you find the same peace that I have found from that.
Your Friend....katie
katie99 said:John,
I learned ten years ago that my son's safety along with everyone elses relies on these rules. Thank you for posting them. He will however call me when he is ON THE WAY TO THE BOAT.....to me that means Mama
I could tell you where I am going but then I would have to kill you....lol. His life and the lives of many others depend on that and sometimes that is hard for the parents not to know but trust me I would rather he be safe than know everything. I love my son very much and he is my only son so it was quite difficult for me to let him go but that is exactly what I did. I hear from him when he is home, ask very few questions because I will not compromise the security of our Navy, Army, or any other branch of the military. I just pray.......God has been good and he has protected my son, as well as my son inlawwhen I knew in my heart they were in harms way.God bless all the military and their commintment to serve our country and to protect us from those threats we do not know about.
I wish your family the very best and may God be right there beside your son.
Kay
katie99 said:John said:Greetings All.
just yesterday dropped off my son at Kings Bay. WOW !!! Talk about OPSEC .....!! and his rate puts him in an even more sensitive sphere of info and knowledge.
Needless to say, his old-man is so very proud of him.
Pray for our Sailors, that they would be safe from ALL enemies, DOMESTIC and foreign.
Cordially, john
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Permalink Reply by Eric James Simmons on
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Read it and understand it fully!!!
Otto Mueller said:More valuable information regarding social media (like our site) and OPSEC
MCPON to Sailors: Be Smart about Online Threats
By Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist (SW/AW) Bill Houlihan, Office of Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Sailors, family members and Navy commands are increasingly relying on social and emerging media to stay connected with those in their personal and professional lives.
Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) (SS/SW) Rick D. West is chief among them.
More than 13,000 people from around the world have signed up to follow West on his Facebook page. The vast majority are Sailors, Navy family members and military supporters. It is important that the Navy family remain vigilant in not sharing potentially sensitive or secure information by any non-secure means – to include letters, email, telephone conversations or social media.
West has seen reports of potential threats to the Navy and said that while the country remains at war, clearly there are those who would want to glean information from anywhere they can get it to use against the Navy and the nation.
"What we say and where we say it has never been more important," said West. "Operational Security [OPSEC] has to be stressed at every level and I'm going to make sure our Sailors understand that very clearly."
West said that he's consistently surprised at how effective social media has become in terms of getting quality information to the fleet. He's been particularly aggressive in using Facebook and Twitter to make Sailors and families aware of Navy and DoD initiatives such as wounded warrior care, the Post 9/11 GI Bill and sexual assault prevention.
There are threats, though, that he believes are real and potentially very dangerous. "Anyone who thinks our enemies don't monitor what our Sailors, families and commands are doing via the Internet and social media had better open their eyes," said West. "These sites are great for networking, getting the word out and talking about some of our most important family readiness issues, but our Sailors and their loved ones have to be careful with what they say and what they reveal about themselves, their familes or their commands."
West said the Navy family needs to avoid discussing information about their units, such as location, schedules and specific missions or assets.
"That's standard OPSEC," said West. "But we're not talking about 'loose lips sinking ships' anymore, it's more than that. Our enemies are advanced and as technologically savvy as they've ever been. They're looking for personal information about our Sailors, our families and our day-to-day activities as well as ways to turn that information into maritime threats."
Sailors are getting it, said West. He said he bases that opinion on the feedback he receives at all hands calls and via social media, itself.
"If you have to wonder whether what you're about to type could be used against you or your shipmates and your family, you probably shouldn't say it," West said.
Information on the appropriate use of social media within the Navy is available at http://www.chinfo.navy.mil/socialmedia.html. DoD's social media hub has created videos and articles on the best practices for service members and their families when using social networking sites. These can be found at http://socialmedia.defense.gov. Likewise a short presentation by Navy Public Affairs on privacy and safety of personnel participating on line can be found at http://www.slideshare.net/USNavySocialMedia/us-navy-safe-and-effect.... More information regarding OPSEC can be obtained by Navy command personnel at https://iweb.spawar.navy.mil/depts/d017/.
For more news from Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy, visit www.navy.mil/local/mcpon/.
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Permalink Reply by Joseph E McCray on
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Reminds me of "Loose Lips Sink Ships" frrom WWll
Creator (E.G.) said:Otto,
That's it, you got it! The pic is an old WWII poster. Figured it was the perfect pic to make the OPSEC rules stand out. As they say " a picture is worth a thousand words "
Otto Mueller said:EG, Cool poster. Looks WWII but I haven't seen it before. Makes the OPSEC stand out!
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As a veteran that a secret security clearance I am fully aware of the information no matter how small or large. I am very glad that this information on OPSEC is posted so that may know what can happen if it is compromised. Keep the good work, carry on Dads or has my daughter would tell you that I would say TROOP.
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Incredible information here. The excitement and the proud feelings of my sons accomplishments are hard to keep inside. After reading this, it becomes much easier to "think before you post". Any future conversations and posts will Always keep this in mind. Thank you to all of you that have added to this post.
Chris S.
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Permalink Reply by NavyDads Admin (Paul) on
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Interesting link to an article discussing Geotagging and the dangers associated with it:
take a minute and read: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geotagging#Dangers_of_geotagging
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Permalink Reply by Guðfinna Gísladóttir on
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I think this can never be stressed enough,it is the security of our family members and even our own that we have to think of,so I am very glad that we are reminded,also I would like anyone to point out to me,if I would be making a mistake or being careless,I would thank them. People even have to be careful when they are in public places not to discuss anything that the next person should not hear. Lets keep them safe.
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Well spoken. What I don't understand is why the Navy posts some of the information (publicly). I see info. on ships in ports (arrival and departure), etc. It seems to me, that is to much information. As has been said before -- "if in doubt, keep it to yourself".
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I agree,its not good to have too much information about it publickly,maybe its done then to remind people to be careful what they say,would be neat to have a logo that everyone knows,what means,that should know. people can train them selves in stopping to think,before they express themselves about their loved one or matters that concern the military.
Well spoken. What I don't understand is why the Navy posts some of the information (publicly). I see info. on ships in ports (arrival and departure), etc. It seems to me, that is to much information. As has been said before -- "if in doubt, keep it to yourself".
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Permalink Reply by Ray Norberto on
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Good rules to live by.
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Operational Security: "Loose lips sink ships!"
by USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) on Saturday, May 21, 2011 at 8:36amStory by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jess Echerri
“Pick me up at the pier next Monday.”
“We have a water shortage, so I can’t shower today.”
“I’m only going to be in port for the weekend.”
“We’re running flight ops all week; I’m so tired!”
“We’re all in trouble because we didn’t do well with the last general quarters drill. Looks like we’ll be running drills all night.”
Every Sailor, no matter his or her clearance, has critical knowledge about the ship’s daily operations. Although most operations seem like common occurrences, this information could potentially be gathered and used to harm the ship and the ship’s mission, and each Sailor plays a vital role in keeping the crew safe.
“Operational security, or OPSEC, is the protection of unclassified, sensitive information we want to prevent adversaries from getting,” said Yeoman 1st Class (SW/AW) Karen L. Graves, the special security representative on board USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77).
OPSEC includes personal information, such as financial and legal information, the ship’s intelligence capabilities, communications equipment, force composition, and ship’s movement and position. Sailors should educate their families and friends about OPSEC as well. Over time, too many details posted on social networking websites, passed through unsecure email, or discussed over unsecure phone lines provide a treasure trove of information that can put the ship at risk. Graves said she recommends referring families to ombudsmen and the ship’s family readiness group (FRG) as a safe resource for reliable information.
“The monthly family readiness newsletter keeps them informed about the ship’s unclassified information,” said Graves.
Families should also be practicing personal OPSEC when discussing their Sailor. Local threats such as sexual predators and burglars may be more likely to attack a home if they know a member of the household is overseas on a deployment. This information could be easy to locate through social media posts, hacking e-mail, or word of mouth.
“We want to stress protecting sensitive information to protect the ship, but we also have a responsibility to make sure our families are protected,” said Cmdr. Christina L. Simington, the intelligence officer on board George H.W. Bush.
Ship’s movement is a particular concern for OPSEC while underway, Graves said. Sailors and their families cannot talk about what ports the ship may go to or when the ship may pull in. A port visit is considered confidential information until it has been formally announced to the media, or 24 hours prior to a port visit.
“We don’t want potential threats to know about where we are or where we will be,” Simington said.
While visiting a foreign port, Sailors should be aware of their appearance and the information they talk about, even to each other.
“Don’t look like a tourist,” said Graves. “Try to blend in and avoid talking about the military. You don’t want people targeting you.”
Graves also recommends having a reliable command phone number to call in case you feel you are being followed or asked suspicious questions about the ship or the military.
If a Sailor encounters an OPSEC violation, he or she should report it to the departmental OPSEC representative. Depending on the severity of the violation, the ship will conduct an investigation and appropriate countermeasures will take place.
Any information given out over an unsecured connection has the potential to be intercepted. The rule of thumb to avoid revealing critical information is, if you’re not sure, don’t send it, Graves said.
“The reality of it is, the threat is real,” said Simington. “Once the information is out there, it’s out there and we can’t take it back. Even if you think you deleted it, it’s still out there.”
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