OPSEC FAQ’s

20 May 2008 by Revelator.

Q:  How much money does a full-time OPSEC manager make annually?

A:  It’s not about the money you self-serving SOB.

Q:  Which really comes first; Critical Information Identification or Threat Analysis?

A:  Some say OPSEC is an iterative process and you can do whatever step in the process whenever the hell it feels right.  Others would argue that if you don’t have a threat then who cares what your critical information is.  But for me - Saint Ron (Pres Reagan) listed CI identification first and that’s good enough for me.

Q:  What is the best way to get leadership support for my OPSEC program?

A:  There is no “best” way but here are some suggestions: begging, bribery, coercion, blackmail, threats, acid filled water pistol, doctored photos, water-boarding, repeated viewing of Molly Shannon skits from Saturday Night Live.  Folks, I really don’t have a solid answer for this one.  Some times you just get lucky and have leadership that understands OPSEC and its importance to the mission.  Other OPSEC Managers are just real good salesmen who convince management of the need for OPSEC.  If any of you out there have a good idea or war story please click the comment link and I’ll get it to the masses.

Q:  OPSEC says to avoid stereotyped activities but there is validity in the thought that if it worked once it will work again.  So isn’t OPSEC really saying that even though it worked once we really want you to try something different that may or may not work?  And isn’t this harmful to the potential success of the mission?

A:  Helluva question.  I’ll leave this one to the readers to respond to - come on folks - send me your responses.

Q:  Why do all the posters tell me to “Think” OPSEC?  Wouldn’t it better if I “Acted” OPSEC? 

A:  Clearly.  “Thinking” something is great only of there is an action tied to the thought.  Why just the other day I “thought” drive the speed limit - but I didn’t actually drive the speed limit so what good was thinking it?  This morning I “thought” diet and then had four biscuits with about a quart of gravy.  And come Friday evening I’m pretty sure I’m gonna “think” about not having that next beer - I think y’all can tell where this is going.  Thinking OPSEC must be followed by performing some act of OPSEC.

Now I know that many of you have serious OPSEC questions.  This entry is just my way of getting the ball rolling.  If you have ANY questions about OPSEC that you would like answered please send them to me.  We’ll treat them seriously and try to get some good answers for you.  Of course we’ll also accept those sent in a humorous vain and do our best to respond in kind.

Keep the Faith!

Revelator

Posted in Awareness, Leadership Support, Countermeasures, Threat, Critical Information Lists | Print | 6 Comments »