What is the ospec regulation???

Question

I have asked several questions concerning my son who is in Iraq, one person told me to delete my question because i was in violation of the ospec regulation disclosing his location. do we not know that there are thousands of troops in iraq or is it still a big secret. i don't understand, can you explain???

Answer 1

operations security i think

Answer 2

Actually its opsec (Operational Security) Basically, its the militaries way of trying to keep troops levels and force strength out of the hands of the enemy.

If I was there heres what I could say according to regulations:

I'm in Iraq (North, south east or west), I'm with so and so unit.

I can't disclose how many of us are at the specific location, nor can I tell you exactly where I am.

Opsec, was implemented during the Vietnam war. Its main purpose is to keep potential classified information out of an enemy's hands. This includes radio codes, force levels, unit missions, and many others. Disclosing information to family members, can get into the wrong hands due to the fact that most folks would tend to pass info on to others. For instance someone asks you were you son is stationed, and you reply with the location. That person then tells 3 other folks and they tell even more. Since most folks are not used to dealing with potential classified information, its best just to keep it out of their hands.

For years when I was asked what I did in the military, I replied I worked with computers. I didn't say exactly what I did due to the nature of my job.

Answer 3

http://www.marriedtothearmy.com/army_101_opsec.htm

The above link should help you understand OPSEC.

In a previous question, you gave your son's specific location in Iraq. If at anytime in the future you mention what he does, when he's doing it, what unit he's with, when he's leaving, or anything else like that, the new info combined with what you've already said has just provided very valuable easy-to-find information to the enemy. It's best to help keep your son and his fellow Soldiers safe by not saying anything like that, especially on the Internet in such a public forum. Then you don't have to worry what pieces to a puzzle you're providing.

It's so easy to say too much. Don't get into the habit of doing so.

If I were you, I would delete that question. Better safe than sorry.

Answer 4

Because terrorists love sites like this and would love to send a special package directly to the troops, if you know what I mean. Exact locations are not given.

I'm not sure of the posts you had prior. But sometimes even if your on the border of saying something you shouldn't people will speak up about opsec. This is a public forum and you never can be too careful.

Answer 5

My husband is in Iraq and that is all I tell people, we have been married 15 years and hes been in the Army 14 years so far, so I know all about Opsec. Opsec means Operations Security....violating Opsec would include but not limited too revealing too much info. EX his unit, what part of iraq he is, his name, when he leaves/comes home (exact dates) stating a mission they are on/ going on. I just tell people my hubby will be home in Nov or Dec. This is what were told at our predeployment briefings that we had to attend with our husbands " The enemy is listening, he wants to know what YOU know, keep it to yourself" We were told not even to tell our parents or other family member that our husbands were deploying till after they were already in Iraq. The goal of OPSEC, as a "countermeasures" program, is to deny an adversary pieces of the intelligence puzzle.

Answer 6

Operational Secuirty deals with the logistics. it is NOT a good idea, to request specifics, such as dates, nor is it wise to ask for names, specific locations or other details.

this is open source, and you'd be amazed at who is reading these questions. in fcat, some people spend all day just surfing the web looking for patterns.

It's okay to say : My son is deployed to Iraq."

it is NOT safe to say: "My son Pvt John Smith is in Balad Iraq with Ist Cav." have you heard about the new scam that is going on? people are passing themselves off as Red Cross volunteers trying to get the social security numbers and other details about deplopyed servicemembers from their spouses.

The more people that know small details, the more easily they can piece snippets of information together and cause harm to our servicemembers.

Answer 7

You just want to be careful openly saying what unit he's with and what operations that unit is conducting... you'd be surprised at what kinds of information are of value to the enemy. However, it also depends on the nature of the question(s) you're referring to, as well--it's hardly an OPSEC issue just to ask a general question... you just want to avoid asking things like "Does anyone know how many people are in such-and-such unit" or "how many Abrams and Bradleys are there in this unit and how many Paladins are in that unit" or "Does anyone know why my son is involved in this operation in this specific neighborhood and what's going on there"... you get the idea.

Answer 8

Sure, there are thousands there. But perhaps revealing that a specific military unit is going and going where, might be into the Military does not want the enemy to know.

Answer 9

You are not in violation of anything. Everyone talks about their loved ones and where they are. It's not like you are giving his exact location, you are basically just giving a state where he is...like Alabama or something.

Answer 10

Loose Lips, sinks ships.

Answer 11

OPSEC means OPeration SECurity.

You are a civilian and not subject to Army regs. I haven't seen your prior questions but I doubt very highly you have given away any national secrets.