20. June 2008 by Revelator.

     Dear OSPA Forum,

       I’m just an average guy who hasn’t ever really had much luck with OPSEC.  I’ve tried everything but nothing seems to work.  I’ve bought OPSEC drinks, I’ve sent presents, I’ve sweet talked and cajoled but no luck.  My friends are constantly busting on me cuz I can’t keep an OPSEC program for more than one date.   Trust me, I know what it feels like when doves cry.  Well, imagine my total surprise when just last week I met the OPSEC program of my dreams!  There she was sitting across the room all by herself.  I stole furtive glances in her direction but always turned away when she looked my way.  My track record was so bad that I didn’t dare approach her.  But then here she came - she was coming over to me.  Oh my God!  My mouth dried up and my tongue tied itself into knots.  Butterfly’s were conducting strafing runs on my stomach and my palms began to sweat.  Is she really coming over to me?  What will I say?  What will I do?  She was so hot!  Her dress left nothing to the imagination (and my imagination was screaming) and her eyes were boring through me right into my soul.

     And then she sat down!  I stared at her like a paralyzed deaf mute unable to do or say anything.  I was sure she would realize her obvious mistake and leave - but she didn’t.  And then she said something to me that I’d only heard in my fantasies; “Take me now or lose me forever.”  Well, somehow I managed to get to my feet and get her back to my place without crashing my car - and that’s when it got real interesting…

   Now you just know I’m not going to finish that story.  Nope - I’ll leave that to your sordid imagination.  All I wanted to do was give me a reason to mention the OSPA Forum.  The OSPA Forum is a place where any OPSECer worldwide can come to catch up, ask a question or just see what’s been going on.

     There are currently 20 members registered.  Of the 20 registered there are a good couple of bonafide subject matter experts who can help you with any OPSEC question you might have.  Currently there are 6 categories, 22 topic areas, 73 individual posts and well over 2000 views.  These numbers may not seem overwhelming to you but OPSEC is a relatively small community and we’re doing everything we can to support you, the practicing OPSECer.

     So take a moment and check it out.  Like the commercial jingle says… “And like a good neighbor, OSPA is there.”   http://www.opsecprofessionals.org/forum

 Keep the Faith!

Revelator

“When Doves Cry” - Prince

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18. June 2008 by Revelator.

     Fellow OPSECers, I want to share with you an email the President of OSPA, Chris Cox,  sent to his Board of Directors.  I found it inspirational and educational.  I hope you will also.

     “I believe in OSPA.  I have the passion of a madman, which is only possible due to a wife that has the patience of a saint.  I believe because I know that I’m not the only one that understands that OPSEC saves lives and livelihoods.  I believe because I know that each of you understands that, and that our members have picked up on that belief and that passion.

     From the end user perspective, our message is out there.  It is making an impact and that is what saves lives.  Last estimate was that the semi-daily messages go to distribution lists totalling somewhere in the four figures, including almost 200 subscribers.  Layne’s blog is getting thousands of hits each week, and the OSPA OPSEC Academy is going to be a true sign of our impact.  It WILL be big - I guarantee it.

     Don’t forget that we’re doing what we set out to do - to raise awareness of OPSEC and to increase the capabilites of the OPSEC Community and to give people the tools that they need to save those lives and livelihoods.  And I’m proud to say we are doing that today.  We are making those impacts.  Of course, sometimes it is hard to see that direct impact from the Board of Director level but that doesn’t change the fact that every day, more and more people look to us and our site(s) for help and advice.  We’ve changed the world a little…we CAN AND WILL do more.

     We’ve received requests for assistance from three allied countries so far.  We’re working with groups of Domestic Violence centers and schools.  The Vanished Children’s Alliance (VCA) has asked for advice and guidance…the list goes on. 

     As for me, I just have to keep going back to what Layne said in the beginning: “We’re not here to speak for the Government or to represent the desires of the grey beards - we’re here for that poor SOB that’s in the trenches and needs effective OPSEC right freaking now!  We don’t offer high-level policy or theory.  OSPA will offer practical tools and experienced based guidance and advice that is designed to save lives.’

      If we forget that, then we really are obsolete.  That’s why I believe.”

Chris Cox, OSPA Prez

Keep the Faith!

Revelator

“What’d I Say” by Ray Charles

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6. May 2008 by Revelator.

     As I sit and try to come up with thoughts on the National OPSEC Conference a literary quote comes to me - “It was the best of times, it was the blurst of times.”  Did I say literary?  I meant cinematic.  And by cinematic, I meant The Simpson’s.

     As an OPSEC Conference it indeed was an outstanding event.  Great speakers, honored original Purple Dragons, record attendance, deserving award winners, fantastic location, free Starbucks coffee, snow, trinkets galore, OPSECers dancing on the “Coyote Ugly” bar, the Final Four at the ESPN zone and a chance to see old and dear friends.  As OSPA Vice President thought it was the second most stressful week of my life.

     And yet - here I am.  Here we are.  Still bloody from the battles but healing from the hurt.  Warm embraces come not in the light of day but in the shadows of the night.   Encouragement is not shouted from the mountain tops but whispered on the wind.  And yet; we fight on.

     As Goethe said “Encouragement after censure is as the sun after a shower.”   So I stand in the sun now; drenched in the encouragement of those of who care - showered in the strength of the true believers - lifted up by those in need.  And the OPSEC world spins on…

     Big Mama IOSS still rules the roost.  Big Daddy OPS is still the biggest and baddest society in OPSEC and OSPA is still that paradigm battling punk in the torn “Anarchy” t-shirt who just won’t go the $#&@ away.

      And the question isn’t where your loyalties lie.  Nor is it who side are you on.  No; the question that remains is this: What have you done for your OPSEC Brothers and Sisters today?   

Keep the Faith!

Revelator

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24. April 2008 by Revelator.

While the conference was a rousing success for OPSEC, in general, some valid questions regarding OSPA were raised. To address those questions, OSPA is indeed a registered non-profit 501(c)(3), incorporated under filing 800132682. At the time of the conference, OSPA was recognized as a non-profit, while the bureaucratic formatilities were in process.

Also, OSPA’s web servers are located in Kansas city, not overseas, as was rumored.

Many of you contacted me with these concerns, and I thank you for sharing your thoughts with me. I truly hope that this clears up any confusion.

Chris Cox, OSPA President

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29. February 2008 by Revelator.

My OPSEC Brothers and Sisters!  I am happy to be back in your arms once again.  Time to catch up…

For the uninitiated the WOF is the Western OPSEC Forum put on by the IOSS,  sponsored by OSPA and hosted by the DOGS of OPSEC (NNSA/NSO OPSEC Program Office).  Over a week has passed since the event but let’s see if I can remember the highlights.

As usual the IOSS packed the three-day forum with outstanding speakers giving truly outstanding presentations.  I’m not gonna get into each speaker and presentation so you are just gonna have to trust me - there was mad info available from all corners of the military and civilian world.  If you have yet to attend an Eastern or Western OPSEC Forum I suggest you keep an eye on the IOSS web page for announcements.  Even if you typically get to the National Conference I still strongly suggest you consider getting to one of the Forums - good information - good networking - good times.

OSPA at the WOF:  In attendance were Wayne Morris (Exec VP) and yours truly (VP) as well as Board Members Scott Milliman and Joan Hellon not to mention many OSPA members.  One member, August Schellhase (DOG of OPSEC) was critically instrumental in making sure that this event went off with a minimum of unpleasantries.  And then to our eyes what did we behold?  Well, none other than Chris and Evie - our President and Secretary and their two handsome boys.  They were only able to stay about an hour before scooting back to beautiful downtown Barstow but they brought us a host of gifts and OSPA handouts for WOF attendees.  By the way - this was the first time anyone in OSPA ever had a chance to lay eyes on our reclusive President and his lovely wife.  I’m happy to report that he isn’t nearly as unpleasant looking as I was led to believe.  I don’t have the exact numbers but we signed up 20 or so new members bringing our total membership up to somewhere in the 130 range.  This is great news for our fledgling Association.

In the “I ain’t braggin - just sharing” department:  IOSS Director Marty Quick announced the winner of the National OPSEC Organizational Achievement Award and I’m proud and happy to say that it was the DOGS of OPSEC here at NNSA/NSO.  August and I thank those of you who have sent your congratulations.  But wait - there more…we also won 2nd place in the Multi-media (electronic/video) for our “OPSEC 24/7″ video.  As contractors we can’t actually be awarded the cup or the plaque but we eagerly look forward to watching the Department of Energy accept the award at the National Conference.

I have at least 28 more interesting/funny/embarrassing stories I could relate about the WOF but - as the saying goes; what happens in Vegas - stays in Vegas.

Keep the Faith!

Revelator

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16. January 2008 by Revelator.

Fellow OPSECers - it is time.

According to my counter hundreds of you are coming to this blog on a regular basis and The Godfather and I thank you.  But while many of us come to this blog and many others of us go to the OSPA, OPS or IOSS web sites rarely are we together as one.   At any given time tens of us may actually be on one of these sites at exactly the same time but so what?  Does that mean we are united as a community?  I think not.  But you’re thinking; what about the National Conference?  Or the Western or Eastern Forums?  We’re united as a community then aren’t we?  Absolutely.  But add these events together and the reality is that, at best, we spend less than two weeks together all year.  And that is only true for the 12 of you who actually attend all three events!  And that is truly sad.  I’m not kidding here folks.

Though we are doing what we can the OPSEC Community remains a very small community indeed.  When we actually do come together one of the many complaints I hear is that we need to get together more - not literally necessarily, but figuratively and even virtually.  I’ve heard many varied suggestions about how this can be accomplished but to me the simplest (and most often recommended) way for us to come together is electronically.   And while I’m sure some of you have mad Halo and Gears Of War skillz I think we would be better off coming together during an OSPA hosted chat session.

So; you asked for it - you got it.  Now the big question is: Will anyone show up?  I gotta be honest with ya - the over/under for chat participants is currently hovering around 12 on Las Vegas betting lines.  Some members have suggested that the number of participants should determine if we host further sessions.  Let me be a voice of disagreement on this point.  I believe that OSPA leadership needs to remain immediately responsive to the needs of our members even if those in need number in the single digits.  Just as a heads up - if a member contacts anyone in the OSPA leadership we virtually guarantee to personally call or meet you in our chat room on that very day.  We have a perfect record so far and aim to keep it that way.

And finally - just what is this chat going to be about?  While many OPSEC-related topics desperately need deep discussion we are going to start with a simple question: What can OSPA do for you?  No further prompting or specific topic pimping.

What can OSPA do for you?  Think about it.  I’ll see you in our chat room on Wednesday, 23 January from 7pm till (at least) 9pm right coast time.  More details to follow.  If you have any questions feel free to contact any of your OSPA leadership of leave your question here on this blog.

Keep the Faith!

Revelator

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3. January 2008 by Revelator.

I know, I know…I only used one exclamation point.  This isn’t to imply that I don’t wish y’all a great year - I just think that a single exclamation point should convey the point.  I’m getting tired of extra punctuation.  Would extra exclamation points make you feel like I wished you a better year than one does?  Would two or three question marks after that question make it more of a question?  But I digress…

As an OPSECer I am constantly on the look out for indicators of things to come - of actions that are likely to happen based on what has already happened - and one thing I can tell you based on my observations is that 2008 is going to be a great year to be a member of OSPA!  (See?  One works just fine.)   It truly is hard for me to fathom how far the OSPA has come from it’s very humble roots less that one year ago.  I sincerely hope that at this time next year I am humbled by what has transpired in 2008. 

So just what is coming for 2008?  First up on the calendar I see the IOSS/OSPA co-sponsored Western OPSEC Forum in February.  I know many OSPA members have already registered and I look forward to meeting y’all there.  Nothing is firm yet but I know that many of the OSPA Board of Directors will be in attendance and that we plan on having an informal OSPA member get together some time during the three-day event.  Check out www.IOSS.gov for more information.

Right along those same lines the National OPSEC Conference in April is fast approaching and I just can’t wait.  I’ve seen the agenda and can tell you that the IOSS has put together a damn fine list of presenters for this year (including yours truly and many of your OSPA Board).  I’m told this agenda will be on our OSPA site some time today so check it out when you get a minute.  On top of this, we are planning a monster OSPA coming-out party on Tuesday evening of the National Conference!  For your meet and greet enjoyment we have hooked up personal appearances by many OPSEC-world celebrities and dignitaries.  Anchoring the event will be Wayne Morris (OSPA, Exec VP) and I sharing hosting duties as we present the “Wayne and Layne Super-Fun-Time-Happy-Hour Hot Tub Celebrity-Ho-Down Monster Truck Rally.”   No one - including Wayne and myself - has a full understanding what that means but I can tell you that it will be interactive, entertaining, and most of all - fun. 

 THE OSPA OPSEC ACADEMY.  Yeah, I put that in caps on purpose.  It deserves it.  While still on the drawing board it is my humble opinion that the Academy as the most significant contribution OSPA will make to the OPSEC community.  As our motto states we are a member-driven association and while your needs are many this is what you, the member, has told us you need them most.  Input has been received from you and we are currently working on completing the module listing.  Many more very exciting things are in the works but at this time I will leave any further comment to our Academy President, Mr. Tom Mauriello who has promised to update y’all right here in this very blog in the near future.

Also during two double-ought eight we will establish our new logo.  No, we’re not going to have a five-hour Board meeting and decide this for you.  As fun as that sounds, we need your input.   Our founder and Prez Chris Cox will very soon send you the guidelines for the logo contest.  Enter early and enter often.  I can’t wait to see what you come up with!

While I think we’ve done a pretty fine job with the OSPA web site we will be constantly looking for more OPSEC related content to share with our members during 2008.  To that end please send us anything you think others in the OPSEC community might be able to use.  Personally, I like the comics, jokes and video’s you’ve sent us so far but keep it ALL coming.  The more we share the more we grow as a community.  While OPSEC is concerned with protecting all our sensitive information the OSPA is concerned with sharing all the non-sensitive information we can get our hands on with you, the member.  There’s no I in OSPA people!  Wow; that was trite, hackneyed and just plain worn out - I’ll try to avoid this in the future…

Speaking of the future… So many more exciting things are happening in OSPA that I want to just keep on telling you all about it but I think I’ll stop for now.  If you have any questions please feel free to contact any one of the OSPA Board members at any time.

I’ll leave you now with a quote that will make no sense to you now but will be explained at the National Conference:  “Yet, when we can entreat an hour to serve, we would spend it in some words upon that business, and ask thee is Jenn the titter?”  And with that I bid you fare-thee-well…

Keep the Faith!

Revelator

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23. November 2007 by Revelator.

One of the driving thoughts behind the creation of the OSPA has always been to create a web site that would be populated with everything an OPSEC professional might need. Everything. Piece of cake, right? Or as we used to say when I was stationed in Germany - Stück Kuchen. Well, I wish it were that easy. But I think we are well on our way to being a one stop shop for all your OPSEC needs. And before I move on to discuss some of these let me ask each of you right now to please contact the OSPA to let us know what else you would like to see on our main web page. 

While this entry is essentially designed to let you know some of the things you may be missing out on it is also a call to action. We are happy to provide services and materials but we need active participation from our members to make the site viable and worth the effort to sustain it. Spend some time checking out all we have to offer and contribute to those things that interest you. It let’s us know that our members are engaged and will help in the information sharing we hope to facilitate.

The main page: check out all that is there. Check out all the links, read the board member bio’s, check out the reading room, look at the posters, check out the “News and updates” scroll and while you’re there subscribe to the OSPA Mailing List and the OPSEC RSS Feed. Also, while you are checking out the offerings keep in mind that we need content. We need our members to share posters or articles or PowerPoint presentations that you think others might be able to use.  In creating this virtual OPSEC community we want to encourage sharing of information among our community members. The more we help each other the better off the whole community becomes.

Speaking of sharing and building; click on the OSPA Forum link while you are there. There are many discussions going on that you can contribute to or you can create a new discussion. If you have any questions or need help in any way the Forum is a great place to go.
Check out the Job Board also - it’s no Monster.com but then again OPSEC jobs are precious and few. If you hear of ANY OPSEC related job please pass this information on so we can post in on the board.

SME’s - The OSPA is fortunate to have many seasoned OPSEC professionals among it’s membership. We are even more fortunate that some of these people have volunteered to act as Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) for you the member. Please feel free to contact any one of our SMEs directly if you have any questions. Also, as you look at our SME list if you feel that you can contribute as an SME in an area please let us know and we’ll add you to our list.
OPSEC Wiki - yup, we’ve even got an OPSEC Wiki. Check it out. And when you get done with that click on the OPSEC Game and give that a whirl. It’s fairly easy once you’ve played a time or two. The forum has been abuzz with high score smack talk so go there (in the “OPSEC Discussion” section) and let us know how you did.

The OSPA OPSEC Academy - This is a huge project and will essentially be the culmination of all of our efforts. If the OSPA leaves nothing else behind we hope this on-line learning environment is a lasting legacy. Via the Academy we envision providing you with all your OPSEC knowledge and training needs. Once registered, students will be able to enroll in self-paced lessons and courses that will be created to satisfy specific OSPEC related knowledge needs. We hope to create tracks of learning geared toward specific environmental needs such as military, corporate and federal. If you are paying attention, you’ve noticed words and phrases such as “envision”, “hope to”, “will be” and “culmination.” The academy will take time to create. While most of our other efforts to support the member can be created and grown as a living entity, the Academy is something that needs to be cultivated within until it is ready for a full launch. To that end we are extremely fortunate that Mr. Tom Mauriello has volunteered as our OSPA OPSEC Academy President. I won’t go into why this is so important right now but check out his bio on our web page (and if it isn’t there yet then ping our Founder and President, Chris Cox). If any of you have any thoughts concerning the Academy please make them known. We are still in the planning and creation stage of development and welcome any contributions you may have.

One more thing - when you finish reading this scroll on down and on the right you will see the link to ”Register” - please do this before you leave the page. 

The OSPA and all we are trying to provide are simply vehicles to facilitate open and free communications between our members and the OPSEC community at large.  Many have complained about much - what are you willing to contribute to make it better?

Keep the Faith!

Revelator

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14. November 2007 by Revelator.

Bottom line - there is no OPS versus OSPA. Doesn’t exist. Though apparently many people think it does.

OSPA leadership has received numerous phone calls and email concerning this topic:
Why are you trying to kill OPS?
What did OPS ever do to you?
Are you mad because you’re not on the OPS Board any more?
Why do you want to split the OPSEC community?
Is this personal?
Do you think you’re better than the OPS?

People we respect have questioned our integrity and motives. Some have called us on the carpet for this outrage and others are simply turning a blind eye to what OSPA has accomplished and what we intend to accomplish in the future.

On the plus side, we do enjoy the support of many OPSEC community leaders. By the way, I’m not going to attempt to answer all the questions posed above. No; rather I’ll tell you that I am an OPS member, an OPSEC Certified Professional (OCP), a former member of the OPS Board of Directors and am currently on the OPS Education Committee. And if you look at other OSPA Board members you will find current OPS members, one “Lifetime Member” and another OPS certified OCP. No one here discounts OPS’s contribution to the OPSEC community. In fact, they are a large part of why we have an “OPSEC Community” and all OSPA members are encouraged to join the OPS.

Earlier this year an Army E-5 saw a need. And from that need grew a web site and from that web site grew an Association. Pretty simple really. There were no hidden agenda’s, ulterior motivations, or anything sinister about it. Not then - and not today.

Revelator

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