What is OPSEC?
Understanding OPSEC: Legal Framework, Dangers, Penalties, and Historical Lessons
What is OPSEC?
Operations Security, or OPSEC, is a discipline that protects sensitive information from enemy forces or unauthorized individuals who could exploit it. It's more than just secrecy—it's about identifying specific pieces of unclassified but critical information that, when pieced together by adversaries, can reveal mission details or strategic intentions.
About Challenge Coin Nation
We at Challenge Coin Nation are a veteran founded company and are honored to be able to continue serving our brothers and sisters in arms all over the world. And we understand OPSEC. We sell many different military themed items, but challenge coins are our specialty. Check out this notional coin design you could use for OPSEC training.
The modern OPSEC process was born during the Vietnam War under a program called Purple Dragon, when U.S. forces realized enemy attacks were being alarmingly accurate. Investigators discovered the enemy was not intercepting classified communications but rather analyzing patterns and public information—leading to a formalized OPSEC strategy.
Today, OPSEC is codified across all U.S. military branches and applies to both classified and unclassified information. The core steps include:
-
Identifying critical information
-
Analyzing threats
-
Analyzing vulnerabilities
-
Assessing risk
-
Applying countermeasures
OPSEC applies to everyone involved in operations: service members, contractors, civilians, even families.
Legal Foundations: U.S. Code and the UCMJ
The legal framework that governs OPSEC violations comes from both military law and civilian federal statutes.
UCMJ Article 92: Failure to Obey an Order or Regulation
This is one of the most frequently used articles for punishing OPSEC violations.
“Any person subject to this chapter who—
(1) violates or fails to obey any lawful general order or regulation…
shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.”
— 10 U.S. Code § 892
OPSEC policies, such as theater-specific general orders and service branch instructions, fall under this provision. Disclosing information—such as movement schedules or operational objectives—that is protected under OPSEC policy can result in court-martial under this article.
UCMJ Article 134: General Article
This "catch-all" article allows prosecution for behavior that affects good order or brings discredit to the armed forces, including negligent information disclosure.
“Though not specifically mentioned in this chapter, all disorders and neglects to the prejudice of good order and discipline… shall be taken cognizance of by a general, special or summary court-martial…”
— 10 U.S. Code § 934
Espionage Act – 18 U.S. Code § 793
This statute is more severe and typically applied when classified or defense information is willfully disclosed to unauthorized persons.
“Whoever, lawfully having possession… of any document… relating to the national defense, and willfully communicates… to any person not entitled to receive it… shall be fined or imprisoned…”
— 18 U.S. Code § 793
Violations of this law can carry up to life imprisonment or even the death penalty if the act leads to severe consequences or aids enemies during wartime.
Why OPSEC Matters
Maintaining OPSEC is a matter of strategic and tactical survival. What many people don't realize is that OPSEC breaches rarely occur from direct leaks of top-secret files. Instead, they often stem from “open source” leakage—the kind that happens casually through conversations, social media, or visible routines.
Consequences of Poor OPSEC Include:
-
Ambushed units due to disclosed movement schedules
-
Loss of strategic surprise
-
Damaged relationships with foreign allies
-
Technological edge compromised
-
Lives lost in combat operations
-
National embarrassment and decreased morale
In essence, OPSEC is not just for generals or intelligence officers—it’s everyone’s responsibility.
Modern Challenges to OPSEC
1. Social Media
Smartphones have become OPSEC's worst nightmare. Geotagged photos, deployment hints, and unintentional leaks through Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook posts create massive vulnerabilities.
A famous case occurred in 2007 when a U.S. soldier posted a photo of his unit in front of a helicopter, unknowingly revealing classified aircraft modifications. The photo went viral before it could be removed.
2. Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT)
Adversaries now routinely analyze open sources like:
-
News articles
-
Satellite imagery
-
Podcasts and interviews
-
Public forums
-
LinkedIn profiles
When pieced together, even unclassified details can create a full intelligence picture—a concept known as “mosaic theory.”
Examples of OPSEC Failures with Major Impact
1. The USS Pueblo (1968)
The U.S. Navy’s USS Pueblo was captured by North Korea while conducting electronic surveillance in international waters. The OPSEC failure was multifold: the ship had insufficient self-defense capability and carried large amounts of classified documents and crypto gear without contingency plans for destruction.
Result: North Korea gained sensitive documents and cryptographic equipment. The crew was imprisoned and tortured for almost a year.
2. Desert One – Operation Eagle Claw (1980)
The failed attempt to rescue American hostages in Iran was marred by over-compartmentalization and a lack of inter-service communication. However, after-the-fact analysis suggests that OPSEC vulnerabilities may have alerted Iranian forces, although this is debated.
Result: Mission failed, eight U.S. service members died, and America’s global credibility suffered.
3. Beirut Barracks Bombing (1983)
The routine and predictable posture of U.S. Marine security forces in Lebanon made them vulnerable. Repeated patterns of behavior, inadequate barriers, and lack of actionable intelligence led to the deadliest attack on Marines since Iwo Jima.
Result: 241 Americans were killed. Hezbollah exploited vulnerabilities visible over time due to poor OPSEC.
4. ISIS Airstrike from Social Media
In 2014, a group of U.S. service members posted a selfie in front of an aircraft hangar in Syria. ISIS operatives used the image’s geotag and background details to geolocate the base. Less than 24 hours later, it was struck with a mortar barrage.
Result: OPSEC violations via social media directly contributed to loss of materiel and potential casualties.
Penalties and Enforcement
Military Penalties
Violations of OPSEC within the U.S. military can result in:
-
Article 15 Non-Judicial Punishment (NJP)
-
Loss of rank or pay
-
Extra duty or confinement
-
For serious violations: Court-martial and imprisonment
Civilian & Contractor Penalties
If a civilian employee or contractor violates OPSEC (especially involving classified material), they may be subject to:
-
Termination
-
Loss of security clearance
-
Civil penalties or fines
-
Federal prosecution under 18 U.S.C. § 793 or related laws
Examples of sentencing include:
-
Reality Winner, an NSA contractor, received over 5 years in prison for leaking a classified report.
-
Chelsea Manning was convicted and sentenced to 35 years in prison (commuted later) for leaking thousands of military documents and diplomatic cables.
The Psychology of OPSEC Failures
People violate OPSEC not always out of malice but due to:
-
Complacency: Assuming no one’s watching
-
Desire for attention: Posting online to gain praise or recognition
-
Over-familiarity: Thinking “it’s not classified, so it’s okay”
-
Lack of training: Not knowing what constitutes sensitive information
-
Poor operational discipline: Routine behavior without consideration for adversary intelligence gathering
These behaviors are often preventable through regular training, realistic scenarios, and leadership involvement.
How to Strengthen OPSEC Culture
1. Real-World Training
Use historical OPSEC failures as training scenarios to make lessons stick.
2. Involve Families
Spouses and children can accidentally leak information through social media or casual conversations. Family OPSEC education is critical.
3. Foster Accountability
Make OPSEC part of unit culture, with consistent reminders and peer enforcement.
4. Simulate Adversary Collection
Some units conduct red-team exercises where analysts try to collect unit movement plans using only public information—a stark reminder of what’s at risk.
Conclusion
OPSEC is more relevant than ever in the age of digital warfare, global surveillance, and social media. While the legal codes—from UCMJ Articles 92 and 134 to the Espionage Act—provide the punitive framework, the true cost of OPSEC failure is measured in lost lives, failed missions, and national security breaches.
Every soldier, sailor, airman, marine, contractor, and family member plays a part in keeping operations secure. History has shown us the devastating price of complacency.
The rule is simple:
“When in doubt, leave it out.”
About Challenge Coin Nation
We at Challenge Coin Nation are a veteran founded company and are honored to be able to continue serving our brothers and sisters in arms all over the world. We sell many different military themed items, but challenge coins are our specialty. Check out some of our items below.
Shop for more coins at these pages:
Challenge Coin Nation Challenge Coins
Challenge Coin Nation Stock Challenge Coins
Challenge Coin Nation Custom Coins
Leave a comment