operations security

Definition/Scope: (JP 3-13.3) A process of identifying critical information and subsequently analyzing friendly actions attendant to military operations and other activities. (FM 3-13) Operations security is a process of identifying essential elements of friendly information and subsequently analyzing friendly actions attendant to military operations and other activities to identify those actions that can be ob-served by adversary intelligence systems; determine indicators that hostile intelligence systems might obtain that could be interpreted or pieced together to derive critical information in time to be useful to adversaries; and select and execute measures that eliminate or reduce to an acceptable level the vulnerabilities of friendly actions to adversary exploitation. OLD VERSION The process of denying adversaries information about friendly capabilities and intentions by identifying, controlling, and protecting indicators associated with planning and conducting military operations and other activities.

Used For:

operation security
operational security

Acronym:

OPSEC

Broader Terms:

Functional Area 30 (Information Operations)
Protection WFF
security

Narrower Terms:

access control
critical information
operations security indicators
operations security measures
operations security vulnerability
OPSEC notices to all Army leaders
OPSEC notices to all personnel
satellite reconnaissance advance notices
security officer
vulnerability assessment

Related Terms:

Army Information Assurance Program
biometric
deception
Electronic Security Systems
emission control
Functional Area 30 (Information Operations)
information engagement
information security
physical security
signal security