Counterintelligence and the OPSEC Connection: Past, Present, and Future
by Arion N. (Pat) Pattakos, CPP, OCP
Beta Analytics International, Inc.
Twenty plus years ago, the decision was made: no longer would the military services perform personnel security investigations (PSI). On 1 June 1974 the responsibility passed to a new agency, the Defense Investigative Service (DIS), and DIS would own it all by 1976. Even though the Services retained offensive Counterintelligence (CI), defensive counterespionage, and complaint investigations, the shift of PSI was a significant change in mission.
Still other changes impacted the U.S. Anny's 902d Military Intelligence Group. They moved from Baileys Crossroads to Fort Meade, the Special Operations Detachment was separated from the Group as were other elements such as the Administrative support Detachment, and certain collection activities. There probably was much wringing of hands at the time by some-others saw it as an opportunity. The 902d began its metamorphosis into an Operations Security (OPSEC) support element with continental U.S.-wide responsibilities.
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