OPSEC ‘Loose Lips Sink Ships’

[Hoppi aka Angie]

It is time to get this topic at the top of the pages again.

Please do not post anything about Ship movement's, when they deploy, where they are, anything. Yes some of the information can be found in the news, but that does NOT mean that people on here should post it. Even if your Sailor tells you when a Ship will be making a deployment does NOT mean that you can post that information here, this is a public site.



By Journalist 1st Class Cindy Gill, NAVEUR Public Affairs

LONDON (NNS) -- Within the Navy, the odds of making it through boot camp without hearing ‘Loose Lips Sink Ships’ are improbable. Though the slogan is old, it still embodies the basic principle of Operational Security, or OPSEC.

OPSEC is a multi-faceted concept that strives to prevent the inadvertent compromise of sensitive or classified activities, capabilities or intentions. According to Gunnery Sgt. Fred Wilson, assistant OPSEC officer and OPSEC program manager at Navy Europe Headquarters in London, OPSEC involves a relatively simple five-step process that anyone can use.

- Identify critical information. The information you have that could assist an adversary in any way.

- Analyze the threat to that information. Does an adversary have the capability to collect or use the information, and if so, how?

- Analyze the vulnerabilities. How is the critical information relayed in the course of your daily duties and how is it protected?

- Assess the risk. How likely is it that the information could be compromised?

- Develop countermeasures. What can you do to protect the information from being disclosed?

“These steps should be taken from the adversary’s perspective,” said Wilson. “In order to catch a bad guy, you have to think like one.”

Wilson explained that OPSEC requires the active participation of every servicemember, regardless of his or her rank or job. He added that the best defense is educating people through annual required training on how to protect critical information.

“It’s a combination of people knowing what information is considered sensitive and then knowing when to shut their mouth,” Wilson said.

To put OPSEC in perspective, Wilson said he has seen Sailors and Marines go to extreme lengths to protect information about things such as surprise birthday parties and promotion lists, yet discuss details of their work freely and openly.

“We need to take that same mindset and apply it to our everyday job,” said Wilson.

One of OPSEC’s worst enemies, Wilson said, is convenience. Making the job efficient may increase productivity, but easier isn’t always better. The path of least resistance, while the easiest to travel, usually offers the least amount of protection.

“The combination of secure communications and physical security, if used consistently and properly, greatly reduce the risk of disclosure,” said Wilson.

Walking to another office to speak face-to-face with someone is more secure than talking on a regular phone. When this is not possible, secure communication equipment include secure email, telephone and fax machines. No matter which method is use, servicemembers should hold conversations using a secure medium.

“These procedures are put in place for a reason,” said Wilson. “If the information is not instantaneously available to you then it’s shouldn’t be readily available to a potential adversary.”

Wilson offered these simple guidelines. Avoid talking about work away from the office. Be aware of your immediate surroundings at all times and who is in the area. Also keep in mind that what is not being said can be information in itself.

“The mere fact that a person is trying talk around a subject will actually raise interest in what is being said and could give clear direction for someone to focus their attention,” said Wilson.

Whether on or off work, a Sailor’s safest bet is to assume nothing.

“Just because a person has a clearance for certain levels of information does not necessarily mean they have the need to know that information,” said Wilson.

Communication comes in many forms, not just verbal and written. Routines and habits also need to be considered with OPSEC in mind. Wilson explained that what seems innocent or insignificant can in fact be a piece of a much larger puzzle.

“A classic example is the increase of pizza delivery at the White House and Pentagon prior to the onset of Operation Desert Storm. We need to think three or four layers down.”

For more Naval Forces Europe news, go to their custom Navy NewsStand Web page at www.news.navy.mil/local/naveur.

OPSEC

[Achseh]

[Achseh]

[Carla Street]

A little off topic, yet not. Reminds me of Gold Star mothers. I got it from a Marine group so I'll leave that part in!

"A Mother's Crown"

Heaven lit up with His mighty presence, as all the angels looked down,
Today the Lord was placing the jewels, in all the mother's crowns.

As He held up a golden crown, as all the mothers looked on,
He said in His gentle voice, I want to explain each stone.

He held the first gem in His hand, but the radiance couldn't match
His own, For He was the light of Heaven, reflecting from each of the stones.

The first gem, He said, is an emerald, and it's for endurance alone,
For all the nights you waited up, for your children to come home.

For all the nights by their bedside, you stayed till the fever went down,
For nursing every little wound, I add this emerald to your crown.

A ruby, I'll place by the emerald, for leading your child in the right way,
For if you hadn't taught them about me, they wouldn't be here with you today.

For always being right there, through all life's important events,
I give you a sapphire stone, for the time and love you spent.

For untying the strings that held them, when they grew up and left your home,
I give you this one for courage. Then the Lord added an amethyst stone.

I'll place a stone of garnet, He said, For all the times you spent on your knees,
When you asked me to take care of your children, and then for having faith in me.

I have a pearl for every sacrifice, that you made without them knowing,
For all the times you went without, to keep them happy, healthy, and growing.

And last of all I have a diamond, the greatest of all gems,
For the mothers who lost their children, when they came home to heaven before them.

This is the most precious sacrifice, so I give the most precious stone,
For I know just how you feel, I too lost a child of my own.

After the Lord placed the last jewel in, He said, Heaven is now complete,
For every mother has her crown of jewels, and all her children are at her feet.

Freedom doesn't hide. It stays and fights. That is why God made
MARINES MARINES MARINES AND MORE MARINES MARINES

[NavyIsHisLife]

Great poem, although as a Navy Mom I would want to replace Marines with Sailors.

[loree172]

There would be no Marines without the NAVY :)

[Trish]

I have taken the picture posted by Achseh and made it my wallpaper on my computer as a reminder! We so soon forget the do's and don'ts cause we are so proud of our sailors and just want to share all. Thank you for the reality check.

[Deborah Jean Stewart]

I wish everyone knew how important it was NOT to talk about hships. Recent plans have bee changed due to loose lips.

[Achseh]

BUMP-- for new members to read and heed.

I wish they'd make this a sticky!

[Navy for Moms Admin]

If you ever see a Blog or Forum post that you think should be featured - send me a PM with the link!

[Navy for Moms Admin]

Agreed. Currently brainstorming ideas for a feature that allows members to alert me of a post/comment/profile that violates our guidelines by clicking an icon on the page that flags it. That way everyone can help out more easily and I can get directed to the exact location of the content that needs to be addressed. If you have any thoughts on this send them along in a PM!

[Achseh]

That would be awesome and very helpful!

[Carla Street]

That would be awesome! On the yahoo group I had to go to where we do't approve member for individual emails until they introduce them selves. It's hard because some of the moderators aren't as active now that their sailors aren't in any more. It's not an easy job AT ALL! Kudos to you all for the great job you are doing. I know I have a friend on here who asked for sailors to send to and a list of them for people to know to send too and the group got very mean to her about it. She's an experienced military mom but just wasn't thinking because it's just not her nature. She's a very nice and caring mom but they treated her badly and that just isn't neccessary either. A flag for you all to handle it would be a great way.