AR 530-1 — Operations Security
AR 530-1 governs Army operations security policy and procedures for protecting critical information from adversary observation and collection.
- Publication number: AR 530-1
- Title: OPERATIONS SECURITY
- Date: 09/26/2014
- Proponent: G-3/5/7
- Status: ACTIVE
View AR 530-1 on armypubs.army.mil
AR 530-1 defines operations security, critical information, sensitive information, and OPSEC compromises. It addresses OPSEC programs, awareness and training, threat analysis, assessments and surveys, contractual reviews, reporting, and operational planning formats.
Applies to: OPSEC is applicable to all personnel, missions, and supporting activities on a daily basis.
Topics covered
- Operations security programs
- Critical information
- OPSEC training
- Threat analysis support
- Operations security assessments and surveys
- Contractual documents review
- Annual OPSEC reporting
- OPSEC plans and annexes
Questions and answers
What does AR 530-1 require an OPSEC program to protect?
OPSEC protects sensitive and/or critical information from adversary observation and collection in ways that traditional security programs cannot. (paragraph 1-5)
How is critical information defined in AR 530-1?
Critical information, formerly known as essential elements of friendly information, is defined as information important to the successful achievement of U.S. objectives and missions, or which may be of use to an adversary of the United States. (paragraph 1-5)
Can critical information be classified or unclassified?
Critical information can either be classified or unclassified depending upon the organization, activity, or mission. (paragraph 1-5)
What must personnel do after an OPSEC compromise?
Notify your organizations OPSEC officer and security manager of all OPSEC compromises. (paragraph 4)
How many OPSEC reviews must requirements packages receive?
All requirements packages must receive two OPSEC reviews by the requiring activity (RA) OPSEC officer. (paragraph 1-7)