Fellow OPSECers, I want to share with you an email the President of OSPA, Chris Cox, sent to his Board of Directors. I found it inspirational and educational. I hope you will also.
“I believe in OSPA. I have the passion of a madman, which is only possible due to a wife that has the patience of a saint. I believe because I know that I’m not the only one that understands that OPSEC saves lives and livelihoods. I believe because I know that each of you understands that, and that our members have picked up on that belief and that passion.
From the end user perspective, our message is out there. It is making an impact and that is what saves lives. Last estimate was that the semi-daily messages go to distribution lists totalling somewhere in the four figures, including almost 200 subscribers. Layne’s blog is getting thousands of hits each week, and the OSPA OPSEC Academy is going to be a true sign of our impact. It WILL be big - I guarantee it.
Don’t forget that we’re doing what we set out to do - to raise awareness of OPSEC and to increase the capabilites of the OPSEC Community and to give people the tools that they need to save those lives and livelihoods. And I’m proud to say we are doing that today. We are making those impacts. Of course, sometimes it is hard to see that direct impact from the Board of Director level but that doesn’t change the fact that every day, more and more people look to us and our site(s) for help and advice. We’ve changed the world a little…we CAN AND WILL do more.
We’ve received requests for assistance from three allied countries so far. We’re working with groups of Domestic Violence centers and schools. The Vanished Children’s Alliance (VCA) has asked for advice and guidance…the list goes on.
As for me, I just have to keep going back to what Layne said in the beginning: “We’re not here to speak for the Government or to represent the desires of the grey beards - we’re here for that poor SOB that’s in the trenches and needs effective OPSEC right freaking now! We don’t offer high-level policy or theory. OSPA will offer practical tools and experienced based guidance and advice that is designed to save lives.’
If we forget that, then we really are obsolete. That’s why I believe.”
Chris Cox, OSPA Prez
Keep the Faith!
Revelator
“What’d I Say” by Ray Charles
1. August 2008 at 03:04
That really spoke to me, and I didn’t really know that anyone was working that hard. I belong to… another… OPSEC group, and I don’t think that they see things this way. I thought it was just OPSEC as a whole.
1. August 2008 at 16:30
I’m glad what Chris said reached you. He really is inspired (some would say “touched”). We realize that our focus must remain on that lone OPSECer out there trying to make a difference but we must also look at a bigger picture to see where OPSEC might be able to make a difference in areas not previously considered. If you (or anyone else out there) has any suggestions just let me know.
Revelator.