Military members and veterans who hold a OPSEC Defense Operations Security Planners Course certificate are on RallyPoint

What is OPSEC?

"Operations security (OPSEC) is an analytic process used to deny an adversary information - generally unclassified - concerning friendly intentions and capabilities by identifying, controlling, and protecting indicators associated with planning processes or operations. OPSEC does not replace other security disciplines - it supplements them." (Wikipedia)

OPSEC is simply denying an adversary information that could harm you or benefit them. OPSEC is a process, but it is also a mindset. By educating oneself on OPSEC risks and methodologies, protecting sensitive information becomes second nature.

OPSEC is unique as a discipline, because it is understood that the OPSEC manager must make certain decisions when implementing OPSEC measures. Most of these measures will involve a certain expenditure of resources, so an estimate must be made as to whether the assumed gain in secrecy is worth the cost in those resources. If the decision is made not to implement a measure, then the organization assumes a certain risk. This is why both OPSEC managers and leaders at all levels must be educated on and aware of the OPSEC process.

OPSEC is not only for Military or Government entities. More individuals and Corporations are realizing the importance of protecting trade secrets, personal security and intentions. Whatever the organization and purpose, OPSEC can, and will, increase the overall security posture.

Why use OPSEC?

We are in a world increasingly dependent on information. In this world, pieces of information (internet postings, work schedules, phone directories and more) may be assembled in order to form the “big picture” of an organization or operation.

Your adversaries in a military or business sense practice OPSEC to varying degrees, and it would be unwise to discount the capabilities of your adversary. Your adversary will constantly probe your organization, so the importance of a solid understanding of OPSEC cannot be understated.

What are OPSEC indicators?

An indicator is a "piece of the puzzle". In other words, an indicator is any piece of information that can be exploited to gain further information, or be combined with other indicators to build a more complete profile of your operations.

For example, an OPSEC indicator could be when you go to work, what you do at work, large group or troop movements or financial transactions such as life insurance appointments. Before releasing information, consider the potential value to your adversaries. What are the capabilities of your adversary?

The unfortunate fact is that you don’t know. Your adversary may have internal spies, skilled photographers or any other manner of resources at their disposal. You may never be able to determine the full capability of your adversary, so you can only protect your information on your end.

This course does not contain the final exam. Students must register for the exam separately in STEPP and will receive credit for the course upon receiving a passing score.

Description: Provides a basic working knowledge of Operations Security (OPSEC) and how it applies to Department of Defense (DoD) agencies, components, and contractors. The course focuses on the history of OPSEC and the OPSEC process as described in NSDD-298. Students choose scenarios which allow them to practice OPSEC in different environments.

Length: 4 Hours

Target Audience: DoD personnel including managers, working group members and OPSEC coordinators supporting OPSEC programs who require knowledge of the OPSEC process but will not be asked to perform analysis

Distribution of this training product is limited to students with ".gov" and ".mil" e-mail addresses. Other applicants may submit their request for this course to the Interagency OPSEC Support Staff (IOSS) through their website, http://www.IOSS.gov.

Clearance Requirement: None

Number of students per class: N/A

Prerequisites: None

Requirements: A passing score of 75% on the final exam (IO-OP101.06) allows students to print a certificate of successful completion.

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CDSE courses are intended for use by Department of Defense and other U.S. Government personnel and contractors within the National Industrial Security Program.