Navy For Moms

Hoppi aka Angie

OPSEC ‘Loose Lips Sink Ships’


It is time to get this topic at the top of the pages again.

Please do not post anything about Ship movement's, when they deploy, where they are, anything. Yes some of the information can be found in the news, but that does NOT mean that people on here should post it. Even if your Sailor tells you when a Ship will be making a deployment does NOT mean that you can post that information here, this is a public site.



By Journalist 1st Class Cindy Gill, NAVEUR Public Affairs

LONDON (NNS) -- Within the Navy, the odds of making it through boot camp without hearing ‘Loose Lips Sink Ships’ are improbable. Though the slogan is old, it still embodies the basic principle of Operational Security, or OPSEC.

OPSEC is a multi-faceted concept that strives to prevent the inadvertent compromise of sensitive or classified activities, capabilities or intentions. According to Gunnery Sgt. Fred Wilson, assistant OPSEC officer and OPSEC program manager at Navy Europe Headquarters in London, OPSEC involves a relatively simple five-step process that anyone can use.

- Identify critical information. The information you have that could assist an adversary in any way.

- Analyze the threat to that information. Does an adversary have the capability to collect or use the information, and if so, how?

- Analyze the vulnerabilities. How is the critical information relayed in the course of your daily duties and how is it protected?

- Assess the risk. How likely is it that the information could be compromised?

- Develop countermeasures. What can you do to protect the information from being disclosed?

“These steps should be taken from the adversary’s perspective,” said Wilson. “In order to catch a bad guy, you have to think like one.”

Wilson explained that OPSEC requires the active participation of every servicemember, regardless of his or her rank or job. He added that the best defense is educating people through annual required training on how to protect critical information.

“It’s a combination of people knowing what information is considered sensitive and then knowing when to shut their mouth,” Wilson said.

To put OPSEC in perspective, Wilson said he has seen Sailors and Marines go to extreme lengths to protect information about things such as surprise birthday parties and promotion lists, yet discuss details of their work freely and openly.

“We need to take that same mindset and apply it to our everyday job,” said Wilson.

One of OPSEC’s worst enemies, Wilson said, is convenience. Making the job efficient may increase productivity, but easier isn’t always better. The path of least resistance, while the easiest to travel, usually offers the least amount of protection.

“The combination of secure communications and physical security, if used consistently and properly, greatly reduce the risk of disclosure,” said Wilson.

Walking to another office to speak face-to-face with someone is more secure than talking on a regular phone. When this is not possible, secure communication equipment include secure email, telephone and fax machines. No matter which method is use, servicemembers should hold conversations using a secure medium.

“These procedures are put in place for a reason,” said Wilson. “If the information is not instantaneously available to you then it’s shouldn’t be readily available to a potential adversary.”

Wilson offered these simple guidelines. Avoid talking about work away from the office. Be aware of your immediate surroundings at all times and who is in the area. Also keep in mind that what is not being said can be information in itself.

“The mere fact that a person is trying talk around a subject will actually raise interest in what is being said and could give clear direction for someone to focus their attention,” said Wilson.

Whether on or off work, a Sailor’s safest bet is to assume nothing.

“Just because a person has a clearance for certain levels of information does not necessarily mean they have the need to know that information,” said Wilson.

Communication comes in many forms, not just verbal and written. Routines and habits also need to be considered with OPSEC in mind. Wilson explained that what seems innocent or insignificant can in fact be a piece of a much larger puzzle.

“A classic example is the increase of pizza delivery at the White House and Pentagon prior to the onset of Operation Desert Storm. We need to think three or four layers down.”

For more Naval Forces Europe news, go to their custom Navy NewsStand Web page at www.news.navy.mil/local/naveur.

OPSEC

Tags: lips, opsec, ships’, sink, ‘loose

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Replies to This Discussion

LDS-NavyMom Permalink Reply by LDS-NavyMom on April 3, 2009 at 4:18am
I agree with you about Facebook. I put the Status Update application on my profile, to link with my Facebook profile, then realized that Facebook uses my real name, my whole real name. So, I won't link it here.

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Rena Alegria Permalink Reply by Rena Alegria on March 25, 2009 at 1:20pm


OKAY.... I have to say something here. My daughters father is in the valley here and works as a high profile engineer within technology. I think it is important to note that just because a setting is set to 'PRIVATE' does not mean that others cannot hack into that site and get information. The ones that look for information for the sake of hurting our country, military, and yes children/family or friends, are VERY well trained in how to do this. While technology can be a very good thing, it can also be a very destructive thing. I will not say who he is or who he works for, nor will I give out other information. IN ADDITION: It is possible for others to break into your system even if you think your computer is password protected, firewalled, etc. ALWAYS protect your information! I think it really comes down to this: USE COMMON SENSE. Mothers are protective by nature, but on the internet we tend to forget the down side of what we do, especially when we are full of pride in what our children/family and or friends are doing for us in our absense. They protect our Constitution.... the rights given to us by our forefathers. It is bad enough that our own government takes our rights away every day... The system is definately flawed. Write your letters and bring important thoughts to the attention of your congressmen/women and or Senators etc. It does make a difference. Rome was not built in a day and either will this problem be fixed, but if we all work together and stop bickering/debating subjects as in this discussion, we will be the better for it.

Not sure if everyone knows this but the military actually created the idea and such of the internet as it was the way they would communicate in between one another. It seems that even this good idea that technology has banked on has been and will continue to be exploited where information that is pertinent is concerned. Nothing we can do about that.... what we can do something about is to stand firm in protecting those we love and that means USING COMMON SENSE again.

I personally took the messages to me about things I may have over done.... such as my last name, which by the way has been removed, as CONSTRUCTIVE critisism and I know the intent was to help me help my loved ones. It did not dawn on me that since my last name is different than my daughters that it could be traced. It can! One of my loved ones, which will remain unamed is intel. This discussion has perked her attention as I pointed it out. EVEN OUR MILITARY speaks in code. We do not do that and so if someone wants to get information it seems unless people are being responsible that others can and will get that information. My daughter was the one that pointed this out to me. I agree completely. BOTTOM LINE: Ulitmately if information is desired, it will be obtained and it is up to us to make it as hard as possible to prevent that! I personally could not live with myself if those I love and or know and those I have never met but respect were harmed due to my lack of thinking before posting. So for the 3rd time.... USE COMMON SENSE here ppl.....

On another note, while I really get alot out of this site, I feel it is important to comment on one other thing. Right after one of my postings a comment was made about leaving the site by another. Had I been another person, and being new to the site I may have just said, okay I am not going to network with others in this way. I did not. I don't think it is a good thing to be abrasive on a matter when the person has not even handled it one on one with that person or used good judgement on the delivery of their words. In addition, while it is a fact that many think of caps as yelling, it can also be a way of expression on key words in a good way too. It really depends from situation to situation. Not to play devils advocate, but just wanted to point that out. And to anyone that would be so calous and mean.... don't let the door hit YOU on the way out.... shheeeesh. Lets work as a team here ppl.... the more sincere ppl the better! It brings good things when people feel a part of supporting our troops/military, for our troops/miltary and yes country ultimately! Look at all of the people that get a boost out of feeling like they can do something here in our homeland and do things such as send care packages to our troops, provide counseling for those that return, etc.

I want to thank N4M for the information they post to help us out as parents. I find it incredibly useful and also don't feel so alone when this site provides us with so much, not to mention networking with others. ALSO I want to caution ppl, just because someone may be considered a friend, in all reality, we don't PERSONALLY know one another as there is a vast distance in our locations. Bottom line, Is the peson you are talking to really that person? DO YOU REALLY KNOW? By an large probably they are for real.... but there is intel in every aspect of the military and or groups trying to destroy what our troops fight to protect. Question: Do you want to give out information just because you consider one a friend? NO! Remember "Loose Lips Sink Ships" is not just a saying, it is reality. I personally have had some misrepresent who they were online and being the person I am, I want to believe the best in people, BUT there is fine line that I will not cross. I have already lost a person that meant alot to many on his 3rd deployment... he was Marines and also one of the first troops to go after 9/11. He also was violently killed in action on his 3rd tour. in addition, my child has been deployed 4 times and another is going out for the first time for a year or more depending on what the orders are. I write what I do because I love them and because I don't want to lose anyone else... So I hope that my post will be taken as meant... to help others help themselves and perhaps others also... and who knows perhaps save lives by NOT being over giving in what is put out there... remember even emails can be looked at by others and you may never know it.

On another note, if others attack us for supporting our troops, tell them if you don't want to stand behind our troops and support our troops then feel free to stand infront of them and do their job! I am not the only one that has had their car egged, keyed, or harrassed for merely being a supportive mother and having a Navy with the flag colors symbol on my car window and home window. YES, I am Navy and PROUD! My father was drafted for Vietnam, my grandfather survived the Baton Death March, and more. It goes on and on. It is wonderful to have a network where you can go and post, learn and support one another. I appreciate all that those do to provide that for us. Thank you. And for those that are not who you say you are... we are on to you and watching all the time.... for those of us that do support our troops or have loved ones in the military, FIGHT here in our homeland to make it okay for them to come home after the war.... Lets not make this another situation as when our Vietnam vets came home. They do a job, they stand when others don't, they get no sleep for hours at a time just to make things flow as in a well oiled machine. They fight to preserve what we all tend to take for granted. I KNOW THIS PERSONALLY as I was raised an oil brat in the middle east due to my fathers engineering profession, we have rights we want to hold on to and others wish they could have them, they would die to have what we have. But would we have those if we did not have our military, I mean really... in this day and age? Also, As my daughter pointed out... it is not up to her when she is called to go.... she just HAS to follow her orders. I AGAIN am PROUD as PROUD gets to be the mother of such giving and patriotic children/adults. *basically I am the last person to cross when it comes to this as I can and will set someone straight!

I invite others to blog with me and tell stories that are fun or have a point. I have a blog called "A Parents Thoughts". I do both and appreciate the comments that are left! It is heart warming to hear others and feel the joy that they feel as they go through this time albeit hard on those left behind. Bittersweet it is to be a mother of a child that is not here... but still it is SWEET.

Lets all ban together.... there is more strength in numbers!

Thank you so very much for all of you that are sincere, those that put so much into providing us with what they do and ESPECIALLY for our loved ones that sacrifice for all of the people that hackle and point at them just because they are military. WE LOVE YOU!

Truly, Alegria

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Rena Alegria Permalink Reply by Rena Alegria on March 25, 2009 at 4:02pm
Thank you for your response..... Cher. I have a profile on here and have started to blog on it. Pls feel free to contact me and add me as a friend. As for Good Witch Inga, You are lucky. While I have had MANY people come up to me and say pls know they are in our prayers or Tell your girls thank you for doing what they do.... I have had FAR more people have derrogatory things to say about them being military and it seems to open an avenue up for them to vent. Perhaps it is where I live... California is very liberal and there are demonstrations frequently where I live against our troops being where they are as well as MISPROJECTED anger at them vs. who has them there... Not sure how else to word that.

But just the same, thank you greatly for your imput:)

Alegria

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Brenda Marie S. Permalink Reply by Brenda Marie S. on July 22, 2009 at 12:02pm
I agree with you completely! Being a California native, I must say it is easier being a patriot in upstate NY. I use my last name because it is not the same as my son's last name, but you have made a point & I am going to try & remove it . (Not very computer literate.) Bless you & stay strong.
Brenda Marie
Navy & Army Mom

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Jennifer Permalink Reply by Jennifer on March 29, 2009 at 10:41am
Hi,
I've been reading the posting about "loose lips". And I agree too much info can be comprimising to our guys. Mine use to be an AT and he served on the Eisenhower back in fall of '06 to spring of '07. He was deployed for a little over 7 months. He took his computer with him and I would almost daily/weekly chat with him via email.

Then I found this great website, "Eye on the Fleet". It posted pics and gave an updated account of what and where the ship was. I would email him and say things like, "hey, I just saw that you went through the canal" or I see that you are in port at Dubia". He would write me back and say "mom, don't write stuff like that....I'll get in trouble". It wasn't coming from him! It was coming from the website.

I guess my question is,....why do they post it there?

Now that he is in the SEAL program,...I've found that you can't say anything....or even post pics of them.

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Hoppi aka Angie Permalink Reply by Hoppi aka Angie on March 29, 2009 at 11:32am

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Achseh Permalink Reply by Achseh on March 29, 2009 at 8:38pm
Now *that* is funny! I'd love to print that out for my office! LOL

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Carla Street Permalink Reply by Carla Street on March 30, 2009 at 2:35pm
Too Funny!!! Great one Angie!

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Regina Permalink Reply by Regina on March 30, 2009 at 6:45pm
I LOVE IT!

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Navy/Army Mom Permalink Reply by Navy/Army Mom on April 2, 2009 at 11:44pm
I do believe this topic is or should be covered when "Our"kids are in Boot Camp. I am pretty sure they are briefed on what they can and cannot say. Even though it might slip, we as the "Adults" have no excuse for letting it get passed our lips. WE should know better, not only because of the sites we may have joined, But I also rmember that as part of my new parent packet, and beleive me you ladies, THIS NEEDS TO BE TAKEN VERY SERIOUSLY. I am afraid to post where my son's are attached with, for fear they, or our family will be harmed by the unknown terorists who are googling just for people like us, for being patrots. So please all respect our childrens honor and bravery and use this site as it was intended, SUPPORT FOR THE NAVY MOMMA's!

Sandee
Proud Navy and Army Mom!

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Rena Alegria Permalink Reply by Rena Alegria on April 3, 2009 at 2:43am
Just for information here... I have started a discussion about great stories of things that others have done or said in support of our troops.... Please feel free to add... it is really heartwarming to read them.

I have reconsidered everything since the beginning of these posts... I keep my information private and still.... EVEN SO... AS I STATED PRIOR... If someone wants information.. they WILL find it. It is not that hard if you know computers... Sad to say!

LETS ALL USE COMMON SENSE.. I think that is what it comes down to. I am not preaching but rather saying... It made me think alot more... It never dawned on me to not put my last name until this whole thing came out... Maiden Names can be tracked so easily and records are purchaseable all over the internet.

ALSO... thank you for the simpson post... that is funny!

Semper Fi

Alegria

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Kris Shortridge Permalink Reply by Kris Shortridge on April 6, 2009 at 4:07pm
All of this makes great sense. While not revealing any ships location while on deployment, how do we find out when the ship is due to return to its home port? My son only knows the day they are leaving for deployment and all of his family wants to be there when they return. Who do we ask?

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