What is OPSEC and should I really be worried?

OPSEC (Operations Security) is keeping potential adversaries from discovering critical Department Of Defense information. As the name suggests, it protects US operations - planned, in progress and those completed. Success depends on secrecy and surprise, so the military can accomplish the mission more quickly and with less risk. Enemies of freedom want this information, and they are not just after the military member to get it. They want you, the family member.

Critical Information:
- Detailed information about the mission of assigned units.
- Details concerning locations and times of unit deployments.
- Personnel transactions that occur in large numbers (e.g., pay information, power of attorney, wills or deployment information).
- References to trend in unit morale or personnel problems.
- Details concerning security procedures.

(Taken from Marine Parents)