Usmc Opsec

The purpose of OPSEC is to reduce the vulnerability of US, coalition, and combined forces from successful adversary exploitation of critical information. OPSEC applies to all activities that prepare, sustain, or employ forces during all operations. It prevents the display of, or collection of, critical information - especially while preparing for and conducting actual combat operations.

This involves the research and analysis of intelligence information, counterintelligence, reports, and open source information to identify who the likely enemy will be.

This action identifies an operation's or activity's vulnerabilities. This requires examining the parts of the planned operation and identifying OPSEC indicators that could reveal critical information. Vulnerabilities exist when the enemy is capable of observing an OPSEC's indicator, correctly analyzing it, and then taking appropriate and timely action.

First, planners analyze the identified vulnerabilities and then identifying possible OPSEC measures against them. Second, specific OPSEC measures are selected for execution based on the risk assessment done by the command.

The commander implements the OPSEC measures selected in the previous step. Planning and integrating OPSEC measures into the OPLAN is critical to ensure counter measures are applied at the right time, place, and manner.