What happened to OPSEC?

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Feb 2015 02:39:33 -0500

Many have criticized the President for often stating what we will and won't do in regards to no military action (no boots on ground, limited this, no to that, etc). However, I think that we are seeing a much larger issue with this.

Right now, I am watching Al Jazeera in the office, and they are discussing how a US General has stated that there will be an Iraqi offensive against Mosul NLT April. Why would we put this out there? Seriously? You are giving the enemy the opportunity to prepare their defenses and ensure that they have personnel in-place to repel the attack. I know I would love to know what my enemy is going to do next and know that I have weeks to prepare for it.

In my opinion, when things like this happen, it should be a shock to the public in general. They should not surprised (if there is a logical reason) but it still should catch them a bit off-guard. This would be similar to all offensive operations in previous conflicts. You knew what would happen but when it started you would always be a little surprised. I think that a wise enemy will know a bit of what to expect, but I just feel like it is a bad idea to give them specifics.

Response by CW2 Joseph Evans made Feb 9 at 2015 2:56 AM

CW2 Joseph Evans — Mon, 09 Feb 2015 02:56:43 -0500

Operational Efficiency is what has happened to OPSEC. There is also the need for transparency. The reality of the situation comes from what modern warfare is really about.
None of the current enemies of the state are able to respond to OPSEC leaks in time to make a difference. We win or lose on the PR spin, not on the actual events on the battlefield.

Here is another consideration, the US is able to place firepower at any place in the world within an hours notice at this point. Concentration of enemy force actually works to their disadvantage. Knowing where on offensive is going to occur is a good way to get them to reduce their presence, not reinforce it. Force on Force is a losing proposition for anyone going against a coalition formed around US troops. In a game of numbers, concentration of force represents higher casualties, which ISIS and most of our enemies can not afford.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 9 at 2015 3:07 AM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Feb 2015 03:07:17 -0500

In my opinion, stating an end date is equally damaging, they crawl in their holes and wait it out...not literally, but you know what I mean, and if they know we are leaving increase the frequency of their attacks as ETD arrives. Kick out the media, and the reporters, keep OPSEC the entire mission, and muzzle rogue officers and politicians that do not know how to keep their mouth shut. It boggles my mind...at least share some BS and use it as a diversion, that I could see as being useful...

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 9 at 2015 3:09 AM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Feb 2015 03:09:06 -0500

This unconventional war has to be won on the battlefield with equally unconventional tactics...by small teams...SF, Ranger, Recon, and SEALs

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 9 at 2015 3:10 AM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Feb 2015 03:10:39 -0500

If we think drones can win wars, then we should dismantle the military right now and employ a bunch of COD players.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 9 at 2015 3:19 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Feb 2015 03:19:12 -0500

CPT Private RallyPoint Member, has it occurred to you that something the President says on Al Jazeera is aimed at an Arab audience?
Jordan is pissed off right now.
So is the UAE, but they are because they got outed as not being real participants against IS.

If I were a glass half-full guy with Mr Obama, I would say he is reassuring allies of his commitment to do "something" about IS.

If I were a glass half-empty guy, I would point out that there is no earthly reason for the USA to take a pause for two months. What, did we run out of ordinance flying five sorties a week? Nope, glass half-empty guy says this is our President stalling after drawing a line in the sand, hoping we all get disinterested so he can talk about whatever he wants to talk about. Rope-a-dope.

Sigh.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 9 at 2015 12:29 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Feb 2015 12:29:39 -0500

It was the same in Desert Storm... Saddam Hussein said "America has good media coverage..."

Response by SGT Jim Z. made Feb 9 at 2015 12:35 PM

SGT Jim Z. — Mon, 09 Feb 2015 12:35:18 -0500

OPSEC, If my memory serves me is a annual training requirement that can be satisfied online. Of course since he is a general he probably had an aide take it if at all. I agree with you @1LT Mark Oakley that OPSEC has gone by the wayside in some circles of the military. I also know that the Iraqi Prime Minister last week said an offensive against Mosul could be coming this spring or summer depending in equipment, supplies, and training.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Feb 9 at 2015 1:03 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Mon, 09 Feb 2015 13:03:47 -0500

Think chess Sir.

Sometimes you do things to take an opponent's piece. Sometimes you do things to get your opponent to move a piece.

By announcing "part" of our plan, we trick our opponent into revealing where their forces are. Not only total numbers but disposition.

As an example.

Long ago, and I can't remember which war (I want to say 7 days war), we (or an ally) flew a plane through "enemy airspace" which in turn caused all the stationary anti-air radar to get turned on. We now knew where they were for future use. When we were ready, we just destroyed them with our opening strike.

Announcing what we "plan" causes a flurry of activity. Activity reveals things. That creates Information which can be analysed and made into Intelligence.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 9 at 2015 2:44 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Feb 2015 14:44:00 -0500

Facebook happened

Response by SFC Vernon McNabb made Feb 9 at 2015 2:46 PM

SFC Vernon McNabb — Mon, 09 Feb 2015 14:46:09 -0500

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2015 11:04 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Feb 2015 23:04:31 -0500

A little addition. I just wanted a report that talked about when the offensive would begin and when it would end. Here you go ISIL...just survive this timeframe and the attack will be over.

Further, they are claiming that this is how the US is influencing the Iraqis to make their battle plans and prepare for the battle. When did we have OPCON of the Iraqis?