Posted on Aug 11, 2016
SSG(P) Supply Sergeant (S4)
10.6K
8
11
2
2
0
Avatar feed
Responses: 8
Votes
  • Newest
  • Oldest
  • Votes
SPC Team Leader
1
1
0
It's customary to store COMSEC in the armory for an added layer of security, but as others have pointed out, it would need to also be in an individual safe or secure container that only YOU have access to. If you simply have them in, say, a weapons locker with a padlock on it, there's no way to guarantee that your unit armorers (who are not authorized to handle COMSEC) didn't tamper with your lock, or the locker itself, and extract the data on your SKL's.

The drawback here is that even if you got everything secured appropriately, you've now created a two-party system any time you want to access your COMSEC devices. What happens if your armorer and his alternates are unavailable? It happens more often than you think.

So, yes, you can store your COMSEC inside the armory, but it would have to ALSO be within a container that meets the storage standards for the data classification (I'm assuming SECRET). But bear in mind, it's not a requirement to keep it in the armory, only in a container that meets storage standards for SECRET data. Keeping it in the armory may add an unnecessary step.
(1)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS
1
1
0
Unknown... however when I was still doing classified we were NOT allowed to store weapons or other valuables inside Classified Materials Containers (Safes) or "Strongrooms." I would not be surprised if there was a similar verbiage going the other way.
(1)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
SGT David T.
1
1
0
Not sure if it has changed, but when I was an armorer I stored the COMSEC devices in the arms room. I don't think it is a requirement, but putting it there makes sense given the level of security there it makes sense. They just made me keep them in a safe in my arms room.
(1)
Comment
(0)
SSG(P) Supply Sergeant (S4)
SSG(P) (Join to see)
9 y
Ok I understand that but I am referring to say an SKL is loaded with a fill that is Secret. There is a regulation/policy that covers the storage of COMSEC devices that have a fill.
(0)
Reply
(0)
SGT David T.
SGT David T.
9 y
SSG(P) (Join to see) - There was when I was in, but I don't remember the number. If I am not mistaken they are to be handled just like classified documents. Being in the arms room would satisfy that in most cases as long as the safe is approved. I could be wrong though, I have been out for a while lol.
(1)
Reply
(0)
Avatar small
Avatar feed
What is the policy regulation on COMSEC storage? Can it be stored with weapons?
SFC Signal Support Systems Specialist
0
0
0
I would say you need your arms room accredited to store classified material. On all of the OIP inspections for Arms Room I've endured: CCI stored in the Arms Room was a major deficiency.
(0)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
SFC (Other / Not listed)
0
0
0
Edited 9 y ago
CCI usually may not be stored in an arms room because an armor or someone who has unaccompanied access does not necessarily have the credentials to access a CCI item. That said, depending on the standards that your unit uses to vet a unit armor, an unkeyed CCI item could be (but should not be) stored in an arms room. Keyed CCI devices if I remember right must be controlled or monitored physically by someone. Some devices when keyed require a two man system at all times in addition to the double barrier rule.
(0)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
PO1 William "Chip" Nagel
0
0
0
Been a long time retired about 20 years now but I'm pretty sure that is a Bozo No No. Separation is required the more the better. I'm sure there is a Waiver depending on Circumstances but if they are in the same safe I'm thinking one is in the trop drawer the other in the bottom, better yet if you have 2 safes, one for the weapons and another for COMSEC.
(0)
Comment
(0)
PO1 William "Chip" Nagel
PO1 William "Chip" Nagel
9 y
The Closest I've seen them stored to each other was in NSGD Sugar Grove, WV. Since all the Communicators were the SAT the Weapons were in the Dept Heads Office Safe and the COMSEC was in the Safe on the Comms Suite Floor.
(0)
Reply
(0)
Avatar small
SSG Carlos Madden
0
0
0
SSG (Join to see), I know you would know the answer to this.
(0)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
SSG Program Control Manager
0
0
0
Edited 9 y ago
The answer to your question is: It depends...

Your going to want to refer to TB 380-41 paragraph 5.10.1 The TB can be downloaded by anyone with a CAC at: https://www.logsa.army.mil/etms/online.cfm Just search for TB 380-41 under pub title.
(0)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small

Join nearly 2 million former and current members of the US military, just like you.