OPSEC Pre vs Post 9/11

CPO Jon Campbell — Sat, 06 Sep 2014 11:05:08 -0400

What is your story of Pre 9/11 OPSEC?
My career was split almost evenly between two vastly different periods in our history. Looking back before 9/11, some things about OPSEC really jump out.
In 1990, I drove up to Michigan with orders to a seasonal small boat station in Harbor Beach. When I arrived at the station, the door was locked and there were no cars or anyone around. I drove back into town and went to the only gas station that was open. The cashier asked me who I was looking for, and I told her I was supposed to report in at the CG station, but no one was there. She said, "Oh, they are all down at a party at so-and-so's house. Just go down to the station and get the key out from under the cement planter by the door and let yourself in." Sure enough, the key was under a cement planter. That was Pre-9/11 OPSEC. Post 9/11 - well the location of the key is now classified.

Response by SSG Pete Fleming made Sep 6 at 2014 11:29 AM

SSG Pete Fleming — Sat, 06 Sep 2014 11:29:08 -0400

The world as a whole has changed drastically since 911. The purpose of terrorism is to cause fear panic disrupt your target audience (be it a government, and organization or an entire society). And that is what has happened across the board. Look at our airports, our Law Enforcement agencies, local politics, even just trying to get a job... everything has changes since 911.

As for the military (I did Government contracting and had to attend all the same OPSEC briefs as the military). OPSEC is key, when I was an MP we were required to have clearances because we might see something beyond the norm... well more MOS's are requiring them, and the most of the contracting jobs require them.

I think a greater threat to OPSEC is the social media networks... But that is a link for another post.

I do remember being an MP in Germany (Fliegerhorst Kaserne, Hanau). The post were open. The locals would come to the Modernaire club with no issue. My home State of Missouri has Fort Leonard Wood (lost-in-the-woods), State Highway 15 runs through it. Farmers used to come on post to cut through to get to their fields on the other side, no more.

Everything has changed... and the OPSEC concept, has taken a more serious stance I don't think 911 made it more real... I just think it made us more scared, if not paranoid...

Which is one purpose of the terrorist agenda...

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 6 at 2014 12:36 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 06 Sep 2014 12:36:23 -0400

CPO Jon Campbell. I can just see it now . . .

"FM 14-3277 The Idiot's Guide to OPSEC For Social Media Users ( Kindle Edition )" ! ! !

Warmest Regards, Sandy