OPSEC: What to protect

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jessica Condit
  • 19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. --  Social media outlets often provide an entertaining stream of activities that are shared by family and friends. Seeing the latest photos of your newest family member or watching a video of kittens playing with shadows has become a steady habit in many households.

With all the content online, it is easy to forget that unwanted eyes may be watching the same thing you are. Airmen can jeopardize the safety of themselves, their families and their work environment without even realizing until it is too late.

Social media, while providing a consistent flow of valuable or entertaining information, can also be the straw that breaks the camels' back. Many times Airmen who want to keep their families informed of events during a deployment will post a photo or update their status on any social media site, giving adversaries the direct opportunity to obtain critical information.

Many people also have smart phones with Global Positioning Systems built right into the phone. Taking a photo on a flight line and posting the photo on social media could possibly provide the opportunity for anyone to pinpoint the exact location you are performing your mission in, giving potential targets for terrorists or other adversaries.

Discussing critical information is also a key to OPSEC safety. Being vigilant of who is around you and where you are discussing sensitive information will determine the safety of OPSEC material.

"Anytime you discuss critical or sensitive information, always be aware of where you are and
who is around you," said Master Sgt. Jeremy Scott, the 19th Airlift Wing operational security manager.

OPSEC applies to everyone at all times. It also applies to all activities that prepare, sustain or employ forces during all phases of operations.

Practicing good OPSEC is not limited to on-duty working environments. It is the responsibility of all Airmen and affiliates 24/7.

Team Little Rock's critical information list provides valuable information on OPSEC vulnerabilities in the work environment.

When going on vacation, some simple steps can be taken to ensure you are practicing good
OPSEC.

Calling ahead and having mail and newspapers held can reduce the risk of passerby's noticing that you are not home. Having a neighbor or family member check on the house and turn on lights in the evening will also assist not only in practicing good OPSEC but will cover personal security as well.

While OPSEC is the responsibility of everyone around us, many times questions will arise regarding the practices and integrity of actions involving it.

Every unit is assigned an OPSEC manager to ensure that all questions are answered and proper practices are in play.

For more information on the program or to report suspected OPSEC incidents, contact your unit OPSEC manager.