What do you do when you see what you think might be OPSEC violations online?
In this particular instance, it’s a rather new friend of mine. We’re involved in the same organization on base, speak often to each other and we friended each other on Facebook. Her husband left a few weeks ago; she’s been posting near-daily updates, counting down to his homecoming. What she’s doing seems like reporting of troop movements, but her husband is at school, not down range.
I can’t decide if I should say something to her. Of course, I’d do it with as much tact as possible, but it would still come down to something along the lines of, “Hey, don’t be stupid!!” I’m not a fan of pointing out others’ shortcomings; I get easily embarrassed on behalf of others, and I just don’t like coming across as a know-it-all.
Plus, it has absolutely nothing at all to do with me, my husband, or even his unit. They’re not even in the same branch of the military. That point in particular makes me want to just mind my own business… but I also know, through years of having an online presence, that OPSEC is a collective responsibility. I personally know a few spouses whose husbands’ homecomings from down range were delayed for such a violation as this.
She’s very young, and they haven’t been part of the military for long. I keep telling myself that maybe she just doesn’t know better. At least, I hope that’s the case.
What would you do?
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Whether or not her husband is deployed, part of your husbands group or even in the same branch of the military – OPSEC is serious for a reason. A very good reason. There are ways to bring this seriousness to her attention without being mean or confrontational but it has to be done. Young ones now-a-days have grown up thinking that the whole world needs to know their every waking thought or they don't matter which has lead to these sorts of things happening more and more.
A very neutral conversation of – "I've been following your updates online and just wanted to help you out by giving you some pointers about OPSEC and how little things can be put together to hurt our husbands' since I know you really don't want that to happen. A very good, easy rule is never to use specific time lines, addresses, personal names, unit names – see? the more specific, the more dangerous – when using the internet or even in a cell phone call. Being a bit vague also makes your husband's life a lot easier – if anyone in his command saw specifics being posted online, it could really hurt his career."
Good point about it hurting his career… she seems like one that would respond better to that than to me trying to correct her for the sake of correcting her.
If she's new to the military lifestyle then she probably doesn't even realize she's doing anything wrong. I would point it out to her but do it in a private message; the goal is to educate her, not embarrass her. Just explain the basics of OPSEC and why it's so important. As long as you do it respectfully and with a helpful tone she'll most likely be grateful for the heads up.
I'm wondering if I shouldn't say something in person, though… so much is lost in the written word – sympathetic looks, body language that can "lessen the blow" and hopefully not make me come across too strongly! Thank you for your encouragement.
Definitely do it in person and not online. You are completly right about body language and such.
I don't think there would be anything wrong at all with a sweetly worded "I was in your shoes once and I wanted to tell you this because I was so embarrassed when I didn't realize XYZ!"
Now having said that, I think I would need to hear more of the specifics of the case to know whether this particular case would be considered an OPSEC violation.
That's a great way to phrase it!
yes bring it to her attention! LOOSE LIPS SINK SHIPS /vet RVN
I would tell her now, so that when and if her Husband gets deployed, she wont be breaking OPSEC
Say something in kindness, extending a little grace and a lot of information :)
That's the trick… finding the balance.
I know I would greatly appreciate someone who cared enough to let me know if I were doing something wrong. The world is very confusing to those of us just starting our military lives. We need all the help we can get! :)
I feel the same way sometimes! I'm thinking she might, too.
Importing comments from our facebook page:
Imara – tell them how it is, is not only about their safety, but is about other safety too, i dont even mention th e month , or percentages the less they know the better.
Kim – When I was an FRSA and saw something like that, I'd blast out (another) OPSEC reminder to everyone in hopes the person realizes s/he was doing something in violation. It was a good reminder for everyone anyway.
Cathie – post the opsec saftey rules .
Kim – - the "half my heart is in Afghanistan" bumper stickers – do y'all realize that you're broadcasting the fact that you're home alone without your husband all over town? May as well put up a billboard in your front yard: "I'm alone, come break in!" I wish those stickers didn't exist. Be careful, people. ♥
Wendi – I'm an FRSA and I speak up. I post the info and reinterate frequently how important OPSEC is for the soldiers safety as well as our own.
Terra – I always say something. I have had arguments ensue and the most common thing they say? "Why do you care, it doesn't have anything to do with you?" Ummmm… so the fact that MY husband is deployed with YOUR husband on the same ship that you just said will be coming home in 36 days doesn't help you figure that out? and Kim is right… its for our safety also. so many people live their lives as if they are invincible and the things they do or say don't affect anyone else. selfish.
Nicole – I say something. I don't want anyone's life to be in jeopardy
Andi, I wish you were a FRSA for my group.
I actually just brought this up on a face book page when I saw locations posted. Boy did I make a ton of enemies.
What do you do when no one cares about it even the FRG or Rear D?
Such a disappointing day. I was such a believer in how important OPSEC was. I think its not worth posting, what benefit does it have to publicly post it anyways? it could potentially do harm but nothing good could come from posting critical info.
I think she probably just doesn't know any better. If she hasn't been a milspouse for long, and maybe since he's at a school and not deployed, she never got "the talk" about what OPSEC is. Personally, my hubby was on shore duty when we first met and married, and I never even heard of OPSEC until he was back on a ship, and that was 5 years later! You have to educate her. Maybe something along the lines of, "I've noticed in some of your status updates that you've hinted at when DH is coming home. I thought you might not be aware that publicizing that information could be harmful. Are you familiar with OPSEC?"