Posted on Aug 11, 2016
What is the policy regulation on COMSEC storage? Can it be stored with weapons?
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Responses: 8
It's customary to store COMSEC in the armory for an added layer of security, but as others have pointed out, it would need to also be in an individual safe or secure container that only YOU have access to. If you simply have them in, say, a weapons locker with a padlock on it, there's no way to guarantee that your unit armorers (who are not authorized to handle COMSEC) didn't tamper with your lock, or the locker itself, and extract the data on your SKL's.
The drawback here is that even if you got everything secured appropriately, you've now created a two-party system any time you want to access your COMSEC devices. What happens if your armorer and his alternates are unavailable? It happens more often than you think.
So, yes, you can store your COMSEC inside the armory, but it would have to ALSO be within a container that meets the storage standards for the data classification (I'm assuming SECRET). But bear in mind, it's not a requirement to keep it in the armory, only in a container that meets storage standards for SECRET data. Keeping it in the armory may add an unnecessary step.
The drawback here is that even if you got everything secured appropriately, you've now created a two-party system any time you want to access your COMSEC devices. What happens if your armorer and his alternates are unavailable? It happens more often than you think.
So, yes, you can store your COMSEC inside the armory, but it would have to ALSO be within a container that meets the storage standards for the data classification (I'm assuming SECRET). But bear in mind, it's not a requirement to keep it in the armory, only in a container that meets storage standards for SECRET data. Keeping it in the armory may add an unnecessary step.
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Unknown... however when I was still doing classified we were NOT allowed to store weapons or other valuables inside Classified Materials Containers (Safes) or "Strongrooms." I would not be surprised if there was a similar verbiage going the other way.
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Not sure if it has changed, but when I was an armorer I stored the COMSEC devices in the arms room. I don't think it is a requirement, but putting it there makes sense given the level of security there it makes sense. They just made me keep them in a safe in my arms room.
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SSG(P) (Join to see)
Ok I understand that but I am referring to say an SKL is loaded with a fill that is Secret. There is a regulation/policy that covers the storage of COMSEC devices that have a fill.
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SGT David T.
SSG(P) (Join to see) - There was when I was in, but I don't remember the number. If I am not mistaken they are to be handled just like classified documents. Being in the arms room would satisfy that in most cases as long as the safe is approved. I could be wrong though, I have been out for a while lol.
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