I'm interested in getting my BNs COMSEC program back up and running. Can someone please DM me in how to get this started successfully ?

2023-01-25T10:36:48-05:00

Please DM me if you know.

Response by CSM William Everroad made Jan 25 at 2023 10:48 AM

2023-01-25T10:48:30-05:00

CPT Private RallyPoint Member, Honestly, this is the S6's primary objective. It would really start with getting an SOP up and running and looking for references in the BN TACSOP then doing SAVs for down trace to ensure integration.

You can for sure get in the weeds (without getting into the weeds here) about the transfer of keys and processes for accounting and maintaining control of devices and net security protocols that would come from an experienced S6, I am sure there exists regulatory guidance for some of it. You have to start with the TACSOP/SOP process.

Response by MAJ Ronnie Reams made Jan 25 at 2023 10:54 AM

2023-01-25T10:54:10-05:00

Of the accounts that I was Custodian for, I never had to start one. LBAD, Lexington Bluegrass Army Depot is/was the high holy Crypto place. I would contact them and see what one needs to do to create an account. Might check your TOE and see if unit authorized COMSEC hardware.

Response by COL Randall C. made Jan 25 at 2023 11:18 AM

2023-01-25T11:18:13-05:00

You might be having a bit of trouble with the guidance because a few years ago it was incorporated into "Cybersecurity" which is in AR 25-2. I would start with DA PAM 25–2–16 (Communications Security) which implements the DOD regulatory guidance on COMSEC (from the DODI 8500 series docs and AR 25-2).

Additionally, if you're missing a program (i.e., hasn't been done in a few years, can't find any source material and you're starting from scratch), reach out to your sister units and see if they have SOPs, POCs, etc. that you can copy (remember - there is no such thing as plagiarism in the military unless you're at a service school...). If not from a sister unit, then reach out to your higher and get what they have.

One of the 'long poles in the tent' that you will face is the establishment of your COMSEC account if needed. It's possible that your higher will already have a COMSEC account established which encompasses their subordinate units, but you'll have to ask them the particulars. This is especially applicable in reserve component units where they might not have an appropriate individual to serve as the custodian and/or appropriate facilities for storage.

As MAJ Ronnie Reams stated, make sure you actually need a COMSEC account. If you don't have the hardware (or are projected to get the hardware), there is no sense in going though the trouble.