So, what is OPSEC?

(Editor’s Note: Operational Security is an increasing concern in the post 9-11 world. Simply put, it is important that people be aware of information management and how that effects Emergency Services Operations in the Civil Air Patrol. As a testimony to the significance of OPSEC, Texas Wing Commander Col Joe Smith mandated that all persons be OPSEC qualified to remain active and avoid a transfer to the infamous “GHOST SQUADRON” at Texas Wing. We will be conducting OPSEC training via classroom setting. - Major J.E. Carrales)



SUBJECT: New Operations Security (OPSEC) Requirements

1. At the recent National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting the NEC decided to mandate OPSEC training for ALL members including cadets and patron members. The NEC believes this education is necessary for all members because we all have a responsibility to protect sensitive information about CAP missions and resources. This memo provides updated instructions for personnel implementing this policy until such time as it can be incorporated into CAPR 60-3. All members must complete OPSEC training and agree to the Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) by 1 April 2008 or they will not be allowed access to e-Services, the Web Mission Information Reporting ytem (WMIRS), or any other CAP system that requires a unique login andpassword. Specifically this means:

a. Commanders or their designees will not be allowed to input new emergency services specialty qualifications, renew expiring qualifications, or print new CAPF 101s in Operations Qualifications until the member has completed OPSEC and agreed to the NDA.

b. Personnel who do not complete OPSEC and agree to the NDA should not be allowed to participate in operational missions. Commanders and key staff should exercise discretion in releasing sensitive information to
members who have not completed OPSEC training or agreed to the NDA.

2. Most new adult members since October 2006 have completed OPSEC training as part of Level 1. Any member who has not completed it can continue to complete OPSEC training online at: https://tests.cap.af.mil/opsec. Units can also now provide training in classroom format with the package available for download from the same site. For those choosing the classroom format, unit commanders or their designees will be required to document the member signing a paper NDA, then place a copy in the member’s personnel records, and finally, enter completion data into Operations Qualifications in e-Services. There is no requirement to complete a paper NDA for members who complete the training online and click the statement at the end of the course that says they will not disclose sensitive information. Compliance as of 1 April 2008 will be checked during all subordinate unit inspections.

3. Please give this widest dissemination and encourage your members to complete the training as soon as possible.

People, take it ASAP. If you've ever been to a ground team SAREX before, then you've already been trained in this. Take it, you can get it out of the way in maybe 10 minutes and then you don't have to worry about your e-services suddenly closing on April 1st. It's important stuff though. Keep that in mind.

Is it just me that finds it slightly humorous that they made the deadline 1 April?

I have been asked over and over about OPSEC from new cadets and SMs. Read the above for more insight on it.