I have a bone to pick with the blogosphere.
And I am probably going to ruffle some feathers with this post.
But that’s alright…
because I think this issue needs to be discussed by BOTH military and civilian bloggers.
We all need to think twice about what we share on the internet.
OPSEC : OPSEC or Operations Securityis being aware of what you are sharing because it could give away more information than you intended – this is usually related to military or combat operations.
PERSEC : PERSEC or Personal Security is also being aware of what you are sharing because it could give away more information than you intended – this is usually of a more personal nature.
(image credit: Northwestern University Library)
As a military wife, I have heard over and over again, the “importance of OPSEC” and how “OPSEC and PERSEC can save your life.” Honestly, my eyes start to glaze over and I want to cover my ears, because I’ve heard the lecture so many times.
But when I hear people talking about specific dates for the next deployment at the Commissary or the PX?
Or openly discussing the training schedule at the Post Office?
PLEASE
Don’t talk about the time frame.
Don’t talk about the mission.
Don’t talk about equipment.
Don’t talk about numbers.
Don’t talk about destinations.
Don’t spread rumors.
Don’t share pictures with unit insignia
Phone, email, chat rooms, message boards, blogs.
Always assume someone is listening.
(image credit: Northwestern University Library)
I know deployment is hard and we all count the days but I always bite my lip when I see a countdown ticker in blog sidebars… Are you telling a terrorist that your soldier’s entire Battalion (1,000 service members) is flying in the next week? Are you posting to Facebook/Twitter “Wheels up in two hours – better get my hair done! #deploymentalmostover”?
Come on now friends – we need to think about the information we are putting out there. And we need to respectfully point it out to each other..
Polite and honest constructive criticism could prevent a terrorist attack
and potentially save my soldier’s life.
Yes – it’s that serious.
(image credit: Northwestern University Library)
As for PERSEC or Personal Security, I read two posts a few weeks ago, written by Darcy at My 3 Boybarians, where she spoke about blogging and using discretion with her children. It hit home with me. After talking it over at length with my husband, we have decided I will continue to use my children’s real names.
But it did spark some great conversation between us. And I have starting thinking twice about what I share via my online status updates.
A few weeks ago I thought nothing of tweeting….
“Going to the Commissary – really wish Hubby was home to carry in the milk… #thisdeploymentstinks”
Which could easily translate to…
“Dear Burglars – My house will be empty for the next two hours and there’s no man around!
Wanna stop by for a soda and some free stuff?”
So now instead I write…
“Whew! Made it to the Commissary and back without selling one of my children! #timeforchocolate”
(image credit: Northwestern University Library)
I am not suggesting we all become paranoid.
After all, Blogging is about building relationships and being part of a community.
However, I do think there is point where too much information can compromise personal safety and some discretion is warranted… As we attend Blogging conferences or correspond with friends outside of blogging, we are no longer anonymous – I myself have made wonderful new friendships across the globe by sharing a love for coupons.
has all the best intentions at heart.
If you have an OPSEC or privacy post written – please share the link in the comments!
**Images are from the World War II Poster Collection from the Northwestern University Library**
October 11, 2011 at 7:03 pm
Excellent post. As a veteran I can recall plenty of OPSEC and PERSEC briefs. Thank you for writing this.
October 12, 2011 at 5:43 pm
This is a much needed post! I wish that more people would think not only of the danger to our troops when they freely discuss deployments and training cycles, but also of the danger to themselves. I see bumper stickers and signs all over cars that say “Goodbye Daddy! Come home soon!” or “Half my Heart is Iraq,” both of which translate into, “Hey, feel free to come break into my house, I’ll even lead you there in this trusty minivan.”
October 24, 2011 at 11:30 am
WOW! I have to admit that I was drawn to this post through your “If you tell where he’s going …” button on your main page and as a non-military woman I *NEVER* thought about how blogging could affect the safety of our men and women serving overseas. I was so glad to read your thoughts about personal security as well. I tend to share kids pictures but not connected with names and think I’m being safe … but then somewhere else on my blog I might have my last name because of my business … and then somewhere else I might reference where I live. Holy ****!! What am I doing? I will definitely draft a PERSEC policy of my own – TODAY. Thank you!
November 4, 2011 at 2:01 am
GO YOU!! I’ve had this conversation with A LOT of newbies…I just don’t share anything on the internet. Love the post!
April 26, 2012 at 12:20 pm
Thank you, thank you! Posted a picture/link to my blog just now!
M recently posted..Life at T Minus a very small number.
June 20, 2012 at 1:58 pm
Just discovered this while perusing the ‘Net looking for good PERSEC-related resources to send out to our spouses. Naturally, as R&R gets closer, emotion overrides common sense & we’re hoping to nip the social media infractions in the bud.
Thanks for writing this!!
June 26, 2012 at 2:06 pm
Thank you so much for putting this out there! A few months ago, I decided to start blogging about our mil-ventures with the Navy, and I am glad I read this early on. So informative; it’s imperative that both new and old Millies are reading this and sharing it around the web, so I took a page out of your book and posted about OPSEC/PERSEC, as well, and gave you much credit. Fantastic blog!
Kourtney recently posted..Operational & Personal Security
June 28, 2012 at 2:22 am
My husband keeps me in line. Even though he’s deployed, he stops by the blog, and he lets me know if I should take something down, which has never happened. It’s always good to see a reminder like this though. Thank you!
MrsLJStark recently posted..A little relieved…
June 28, 2012 at 3:03 am
Man I really like these old time signs. Ex Navy here (Bubblehead)
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October 6, 2012 at 5:44 pm
I have been here before… snagging a button this time. Great post!
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