Historical Perspectives

Even though the chances for superpower confrontation appear to be diminishing. most security experts would agree that there is still a need for counterintelligence (Cl) programs and assets due to the fact that there are defense technologies, intelligence operations and other activities requiring security protection. During this interim period, both the United States and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) are trying to gauge the appropriate mix and focus of Cl programs. Part of this introspective look should include an examination of security strategies and programs in both countries over the past 25 years. This article will examine the role of operations security as a developing security discipline, provide a brief history of OPSEC in the U.S. Army, and compare and contrast the U.S. program with the past Soviet counterpart program, Maskirovka. There is no public information indicating that the Russian or other CIS military service has dropped Maskirovka from its military jargon; therefore it must continue to be considered a viable part of Russian and CIS military strategy.

DEFINITION

Operations security, according to National Security Decision Directive 298, is "a systematic and proven process by which the U.S. Government and its supporting contractors can deny to potential adversaries information about capabilities and intentions by identifying, controlling and protecting generally unclassified evidence of the planning and execution of sensitive Government activities.") There are various interpretations of the term OPSEC and what it means for individual commands and agencies. According to NSDD 298, the U.S. National OPSEC Program is to be implemented not only in the Department of Defense but also in "each Executive Department and agency assigned or supporting national security missions with classified or sensitive activities." There is no definitive explanation of "sensitive activities" or which Executive departments or agencies are engaged in same.

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