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Security as important as ever in deployed environment

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Clark Staehle
  • 379th Air Expeditionary Wing
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Some people might say loose lips sink ships, and they'd be right. The phrase was created by the Navy during World War II to remind servicemembers and their families that releasing tidbits of information that might seem harmless can actually cause quite a bit of damage. 

The enemy can glean knowledge from information many people might consider of little consequence. If they're able to pick up three pieces of information, they can put them together and pretty soon, those three pieces make up enough of the big picture to plan or carry out an attack. To help counteract that, it's important to implement operational security practices while deployed here. 

"OPSEC is important because it denies the adversary information prior to operations, redeployment, capabilities and limitations," said Master Sgt. Scott Menges, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Force Protection Intelligence superintendent. 

The information can seem as innocuous as mentioning to a loved one an upcoming 
flight over e-mail or phone. 

"Airmen should care because peoples' lives literally depend upon it," the Lenexa, Kansas native said. "For instance, if rotator information were disclosed, it would be easier for a terrorist to target the aircraft." 

But, servicemembers stationed here not only have to keep OPSEC in mind, but they must also take computer security into consideration while accomplishing their daily tasks. 

"COMPUSEC (Computer Security) is the measures and controls that ensure confidentiality, availability or integrity of information systems," said Staff Sgt. Laura Blea, NCO in charge of theater network security. "It is vital to protect the overall integrity of our network." 

Being careless with the government computers here can damage the entire system, including those set up for morale purposes in the Coalition Compound. 

"Because (commercial) Web mails are available for morale use, do not mention in your e-mails the exact location or country," said Sergeant Blea, a Millington, Tenn. native. "You can mention Southwest Asia, aka SWA, the 'Desert' or the 'Sandbox.' Also, (don't) send or receive any 'illicit' photos or materials." 

Receiving unknown or questionable files can lead to viruses, which often masquerade as photos or movies. 

"If you bring in outside (CDs or thumb drives), scan it for viruses before putting it on the network," Sergeant Blea said. "Remember to be cognizant of not opening an attachment or clicking on a link in an e-mail from someone you don't recognize. This is just one way to spread a virus or have spy ware loaded on your computer unknowingly. Be suspicious of the little things and don't take anything for granted." 

Additionally, it's illegal to use third-party software to circumvent the network's firewall to access unauthorized Web sites. 

"By installing unauthorized software, there is the risk of (downloading) previously blocked key loggers, Trojans, backdoor applications and other spy ware that leave our network vulnerable to the enemy," Sergeant Blea said. 

Through exercising operational and computer security here, servicemembers can help ensure the base remains as safe and secure as possible. 


There are several important operational security points to keep in mind while deployed here. Keeping them in mind will help ensure a safe and successful mission for everyone, not only here, but throughout the area of responsibility.

- Do not throw any paper away. Ensure all paper products are shredded after they are no longer in use, including charts and maps.

- Don't mention operation-related items on unsecure telephones and computers, including details about rotators and missions. Be careful when talking on cell phones. They aren't very secure and their transmissions are easily intercepted and recording. Anything discussed on them is not secure.

- Only discuss mission details around people who are cleared and have a need to know. You never know who's listening.

- One man's junk is another man's treasure, so be careful with what you throw away while you're here. Wait to throw your uniforms out when you get home.

- When travelling off base, don't wear anything with desert camouflage, including hats, backpacks, or bandannas.

- Be careful with your common access card while travelling off base. It's easy to accidentally flash it when you open your wallet or purse.

For more information, contact your unit's OPSEC monitor.

(Information courtesy of 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Force Protection Office)