|
Article Directory
|
+ Authors
+ Articles
|
|
|
|
George Washington, Known OPSEC Practitioner - OPSEC In His Own Words
Copyright (c) 2009-2010 Chris Cox
Arguably, no President in history has received a legendary status equal to George Washington. His reputation as a gifted military leader stems partially from his unique perspective as the leader of counterinsurgency forces (as a young officer in the Seven Year's War) and as the leader of an insurgent army (in the Revolutionary War).
Within OPSEC circles, Washington is often quoted as saying, "Even minutiae should have a place in our collection, for things of a seemingly trifling nature, when enjoined with others of a more serious cast, may lead to valuable conclusion." While this is certainly true you must understand that this is a lesson our first president learned through bitter, near fatal experience.
Washington's first experience with OPSEC (a term not used at the time, but the principles remain the same) came at the age of 21 when he was a young officer in the Seven Year's War under British General Braddock. The effective French intelligence network (no doubt enabled by ineffective security) was able to ascertain Braddock's moves well in advance and successfully ambushed the combined British and Colonial forces on their first expedition. In this attack, the combined forces lost 615 of their officers and 914 soldiers; in addition General Braddock was mortally wounded and barely escaped with the aid of Washington. Before his death four days later, Braddock gave Washington his ceremonial sash, one of the two reminders of this lesson that would stay with him forever.
If this hard lesson taught Washington one thing, it was the necessity of effective intelligence, as well as that of secrecy. He was later quoted as saying, "(U)pon Secrecy, Success depends in Most Enterprises - and for want of it, they are generally defeated."
With this philosophy, Washington would establish and lead an effective spy network during the Revolutionary War. These spies would operate, at times, directly with or under British forces and would provide Washington with critical military information regarding British plans, strategies and objectives. In order to evade detection, all agents would memorize and refer only to code names (for instance, George Washington was only referred to as "711" and New York was "727"), which demonstrates a clear understanding of the importance of obfuscating key names and locations. Using the same scheme for names and locations also helped to hide their true meaning. In addition, the use of secret codes, invisible ink and encryption demonstrated Washington's awareness of the necessity of not only attempting to avoid the capture of information, but also to prevent the use of information should capture occur.
Unfortunately, this valuable lesson seemed to be forgotten when Washington sent a seemingly harmless letter to his dentist in Philadelphia asking for denture wires and a cleaning tool. In and of itself, this letter provided no military intelligence of value when it and other messages were captured by the British. However, some of the other messages indicated a potential attack on New York. Sir Henry Clinton, then chief of the British Army, was skeptical. The letters almost seemed too good to be true especially when you understand that Washington's skill in military deception was known by the enemy. Clinton was left to wonder of the validity and value of the "intelligence." However, Clinton correctly reasoned that this letter would most likely not have been included in a package was to be intentionally "captured" and surmised that the captured intelligence was legitimate. Clinton was able to strengthen his forces in New York, prompting Washington to abandon that campaign.
This setback did not discourage Washington from continuing to use deception and disinformation however. This lesson learned became a very effective strategy to fabricate documents to be "captured", or to instruct agents to discuss certain matters in areas that British soldiers or spies were able to overhear, or even to intercept messages meant for British forces and alter them before passing them along seemingly unchanged. For example: When Washington had his army outside of Philadelphia he instructed his procurement officers make sizable purchases of supplies, and even constructed fake military facilities, which convinced the British that his 3,000-strong army contained 40,000 men.
Throughout the war, Washington relied heavily on espionage and intelligence. The Culper Spy Ring, headed by Major Benjamin Talmadge (under the pseudonym "John Bolton") learned that the British had plans to attack an allied French expedition in Rhode Island (it is not clear how British Forces learned of the landing). Washington responded by planting false intelligence with British agents indicating that he intended to move against New York City. In response, the British Commander held his forces at New York, which had the additional benefit of masking Washington's movement towards Chesapeake Bay and Yorktown. It was imperative that Washington's forces practice good OPSEC in order to avoid detection of this grand deception.
Washington understood the importance of educating those under him about what we've come to call OPSEC. In a clear early understanding of what we now know as the OPSEC process, Washington wrote to thank James Lovell for a piece of intelligence, saying, "it is by comparing a variety of information, we are frequently enabled to investigate facts, which were so intricate or hidden, that no single clue could have led to the knowledge of them. . . intelligence becomes interesting which but from its connection and collateral circumstances, would not be important." He also spoke to General Rufus Putnam in August 1777 about calculating an adversary's strength, saying, "Deserters and people of that class always speak of number. . . indeed, scarce any person can form a judgment unless he sees the troops paraded and can count the divisions. But, if you can by any means obtain a list of the regiments left upon the island, we can compute the number of men within a few hundreds, over or under." This "training" prompted Federalist William Duer to write, "To say more in a Letter, might be imprudent" when discussing a matter of potential value.
Similarly, to the credit of the Continental Congress, the first secrecy agreement was adopted for government employees. It read, in part, "I do solemnly swear, that I will not directly or indirectly divulge any manner or thing which shall come to my knowledge as (clerk, secretary) of the board of War and Ordnance for the United Colonies. . . So help me God."
Perhaps the best example of OPSEC in Washington's strategy was in the attack on Stony Point. Stony Point was an ominous British fort on the Hudson River, with walls 150 feet high, water on three sides and a swamp on the fourth, and an imposing garrison of 500 men and many cannons. Colonel Wayne was convinced that it could be taken, and eventually convinced Washington that it could be done. Washington approved the plan with the advice, "That it should be attempted by the Light Infantry only, which should march under cover of the night and with the utmost secrecy to the enemy's lines, securing every person they find to prevent discovery". Note especially the use of darkness to mask movement and the securing of potential witnesses/agents. Because of this secrecy, the surprise attack was a success resulting in only 15 American deaths versus 63 British.
Clearly, George Washington effectively led the newly formed army to victory not only because of excellent military tactics, but also because a solid understanding of OPSEC. If OPSEC (http://www.opsecprofessionals.org) can help General Washington win a war then who are we to deny its use today to protect our sensitive information?
|
Written by: Chris Cox. The Operations Security Professional's Association (OSPA) is an International entity dedicated to promoting OPSEC by providing free resources and member collaboration. OSPA works with groups all over the world, from US Federal Agencies to Neighborhood Watch programs, and believes that each one deserves security. http://www.opsecprofessionals.org/
|
Follow "The Phantom Writers" on Twitter
(@phantomwriters)
to be notified when new articles are made available.
VOTE ON THIS ARTICLE
Needs Work >>
0 -
1 -
2 -
3 -
4 -
5
<< Excellent Article
Tell our authors what you think about their article.
|
Top-Level Category: Business Offline Articles || Related Categories: World Events Articles and Society Articles
10 Most Recent Articles Written by Chris Cox
Most Recent "Business Offline" Articles
Online Brand Management: Optimizing Facebook
Written by: Enzo F. Cesario |
Distributed: 2010-03-15 |
Word Count: 863 |
Page Views: 123
We've previously discussed the Web's amazing tendency to
take very good ideas and adapt them to techniques largely
unrelated to their original intent. Search engines rate all
websites based on their internal criteria, and this
increasingly includes Social Media pages such as Facebook.
With that in mind, let's consider five key ways you can
apply SEO techniques to Facebook in order to drive interest.
Business Turnaround: Stabilize Your Environment with Positive Cash Management
Written by: Thayne Carper |
Distributed: 2010-03-10 |
Word Count: 531 |
Page Views: 89
A good business turnaround requires you to stabilize your
environment; without this step, your business will likely
remain unprofitable. Maintaining both a positive cash
balance and abiding by a smart budget is vital.
Conducting Effective Career Aspiration Discussions with Employees
Written by: Andria L. Corso |
Distributed: 2010-03-10 |
Word Count: 690 |
Page Views: 94
Enhance your talent management and development programs
through conducting career aspiration discussions with your
employees. Find out where they want to grow their career to
determine if it matches your business needs. This will
enable you to differentiate your employee development to
grow the future leaders of your company.
The Ox and The Fly
Written by: Scott Bywater |
Distributed: 2010-03-02 |
Word Count: 305 |
Page Views: 64
Over Xmas, I bought a business book about Aesop's Fables.
And from memory, one of Aesop's Fables is about the ox and
the fly. In a nutshell, it goes like this.
Focus On Your Strengths
Written by: Scott Bywater |
Distributed: 2010-03-01 |
Word Count: 450 |
Page Views: 54
Last year, I took over a small second office next to the one
I have now. I've had it painted and recarpeted. But setting
it up and getting my current office painted / recarpeted
seems overwhelming. I know. I know. I've got to make the
time to plan out how I want it to all look, what I want to
get out of it, where I want what, etc. because my current
office just feels too congested. But I find it overwhelming.
Look Out For The Smoking Gun
Written by: Scott Bywater |
Distributed: 2010-02-26 |
Word Count: 380 |
Page Views: 66
In the legal world, there is a term called "Smoking Gun"
which refers to that critical piece of information which
makes it impossible for your opponent to win a court case.
It's a fact, a piece of evidence or whatever which proves
what you have to say beyond any seed of doubt. And there are
a lot of correlations between law and advertising because
when you are selling via the printed word, your jury is your
customer.
5 Great Ways to Save Time with Enterprise VoIP Integration
Written by: Alexander Anoshin |
Distributed: 2010-02-25 |
Word Count: 733 |
Page Views: 108
From this article, you'll learn the 5 main reasons to
integrate VoIP in your enterprise. You'll know which
enterprise applications integrate with which VoIP software
to achieve the most results.
Business Turnaround: Reorganize Your Company and Focus on Its Profitable Areas
Written by: Thayne Carper |
Distributed: 2010-02-25 |
Word Count: 539 |
Page Views: 59
After you have determined the root cause of your company's
problems, you must now reorganize to make your company
profitable. All companies have strengths and weaknesses, and
it would be wise to recognize which areas are assets to you
and which need improvement.
How You Can Beat 97% Of The Pack
Written by: Scott Bywater |
Distributed: 2010-02-24 |
Word Count: 388 |
Page Views: 62
When I was seventeen I remember doing a program called
Discovery. I think I was the only teenager who paid for half
the fee and begged and pleaded their parents to let them go.
Basically, it was a course which taught a lot of life skills
from motivation to how to deal with conflict... kind of like
an Anthony Robbins for teenagers.
Cost Reduction for Business: How to Best Manage Your Costs
Written by: Thayne Carper |
Distributed: 2010-02-23 |
Word Count: 506 |
Page Views: 63
Companies have to use various forms of financial studies -
estimates, budgets, forecasts, analyses, and evaluations -
to report and control their costs.
Most Viewed "Business Offline" Articles
How To Write A 300 Page Book In Four Months
Written by: Mark Silver |
Distributed: 2008-07-15 |
Word Count: 821 |
Page Views: 35896
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 1.40
There's a lot of hoopla about becoming an author of your very
own business book. The promise of fame and fortune is very
alluring. Yet your book remains perpetually 'about to be'
written. Meanwhile your business has ground to a halt. Hmmm...
might there be a better way to get a book written?
The Best Marketing Book I've Ever Read (You'll Be Surprised)
Written by: Judy Murdoch |
Distributed: 2007-05-09 |
Word Count: 1522 |
Page Views: 33087
| Votes: 15 |
Rating: 3.60
From time to time someone asks me to recommend marketing books.
Here's one of my favorite marketing books that always surprises
people. Curious? Read on.
The Bizarre History Of The HOLLYWOOD Sign
Written by: Morris Timlen |
Distributed: 2008-11-05 |
Word Count: 1211 |
Page Views: 25005
| Votes: 18 |
Rating: 3.17
The most famous sign in the history of mankind is the one that
graces the side of the hill above Hollywood, California. As
famous a landmark as the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio De
Janeiro, the Eiffel Tower in Paris France, the Great Pyramid of
Giza in Egypt, The Church of the Savior on Blood in Saint
Petersburg Russia, and the Statue Of Liberty in New York City,
the Hollywood sign is known around the world as the symbol of the
American movie industry.
What Does It Take To Be A Successful Salesman?
Written by: Casey Moher |
Distributed: 2008-08-05 |
Word Count: 930 |
Page Views: 4570
| Votes: 29 |
Rating: 3.14
In the course of my average workweek, I meet people who tell me
that they have no sales experience, and very literally, many
will tell me that they could not sell if their lives depended on
it. Do you fit into this mold? Do you seriously believe that you
can sell me on the idea that you cannot sell things?
You Can Turn Complaints into Cash!
Written by: Judy Murdoch |
Distributed: 2006-08-08 |
Word Count: 795 |
Page Views: 2874
| Votes: 24 |
Rating: 3.54
Most of us don't like listening to complaints. We can't imagine
the value in listening to someone rant and rage about something
they're dissatisfied with. But here 's a secret: There's gold
in those complaints—-if—-you know what to listen for.
Selecting Between a 401(k) And 403(b) For a Nonprofit
Written by: Daniel Lamaute |
Distributed: 2007-10-11 |
Word Count: 333 |
Page Views: 2796
| Votes: 14 |
Rating: 2.64
Newly released IRS regulations impose several new requirements
and fiduciary responsibilities on employers with 403(b) plans.
While the regulations generally don't take effect until January
1, 2009, there are some provisions that apply sooner.
A Wedding Competition Worthy Of American Idol Status
Written by: Wesley Berry, AAF |
Distributed: 2007-12-11 |
Word Count: 392 |
Page Views: 2552
| Votes: 9 |
Rating: 2.00
Past American Idol contestants Clay Aiken, Taylor Hicks, and
Kelly Clarkson may have stood up to the pressures of the American
Idol competition, but could they handle the stress of the
Designer Wedding Challenge.
The Pros And Cons Of Postcard Marketing-direct marketing offline
Written by: Cheryl Miller |
Distributed: 2006-11-29 |
Word Count: 675 |
Page Views: 2489
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 2.60
Postcard marketing is one of the oldest methods of marketing. Its
concept is simple but can be quite effective. It is just sending
out your message to your mailing list on a postcard. Postcard
marketing is a powerful and cost effective way to advertise and
will keep building in momentum when done correctly.
Interior Designers Expand Your Advice to the Exterior
Written by: Catherine Wilson |
Distributed: 2006-07-19 |
Word Count: 775 |
Page Views: 2250
| Votes: 10 |
Rating: 2.50
Do you have clients that depend on you for everything? Do they
often want you to advise them in areas that somewhat fall out of
your expertise? Do they ask for direction with parties, holiday
decorating, coordinating weddings or even advice on landscaping?
These are just a few of the ways a good interior designer is
asked to stretch beyond the norm by clients who love their tastes
and respect them.
Getting The Best Work From Your Graphic Designer
Written by: Erin Ferree |
Distributed: 2006-11-02 |
Word Count: 717 |
Page Views: 2231
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 3.60
A graphic designer's goal is to provide you with the logos,
artwork, and page designs that best fit your business,
personality, industry, and target market and that convey your
offerings and differentiators. The experience of reaching that
goal can be extremely smooth and pleasant if you know what to
expect up front, and if you understand that you do need to work
with your designer rather than just letting them loose to
create.
Highest Ranked "Business Offline" Articles
Why Businesses Need Receivable Factoring In Cash Flow Management
Written by: Toby Seibert |
Distributed: 2007-08-08 |
Word Count: 866 |
Page Views: 879
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 4.60
In today's business environment, many businesses need to
fine-tune the process of getting paid on invoices, in order to
improve their cash on hand. Improving cash flow can be an ongoing
challenge for businesses of all sizes, and it is an issue that
must be addressed to ensure the long-term viability of the
business.
Whose Restaurant Can You Find Online?
Written by: Rudy Vener |
Distributed: 2007-07-09 |
Word Count: 640 |
Page Views: 708
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 4.40
What is so significant about Pizza Hut's latest TV commercial?
Equal Opportunity Pizza Ordering
Written by: Rudy Vener |
Distributed: 2007-10-19 |
Word Count: 629 |
Page Views: 659
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 4.40
With online ordering, your menu and restaurant suddenly become
accessible to both the deaf and blind customers in your
community.
Business School for Non-Business Minds: Got a NAICS Number?
Written by: Melissa Mashtonio |
Distributed: 2008-04-15 |
Word Count: 423 |
Page Views: 502
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 4.40
I’m a journalist. I spent a lot of my career in the news
business. As my career has progressed, I’ve spent time at small
and large companies, and I have sat through dozens of business
meetings wondering what the heck the “money” people are talking
about. They used acronyms as if they were a foreign language.
FDA's New Process Validation Guidance Recommends Team Approach
Written by: Norm Howe |
Distributed: 2009-01-21 |
Word Count: 665 |
Page Views: 579
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 4.40
The November 2008 FDA draft guidance for process validation says
"We recommend an integrated team approach to process validation
that includes expertise from a variety of disciplines..." But
when different people from different backgrounds work together,
disagreements can stall your team. How do you get your project
back on track?
The Problem With Swiping Sales Copy
Written by: Scott Bywater |
Distributed: 2009-12-03 |
Word Count: 480 |
Page Views: 172
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 4.40
This is what people miss when they try to simply "swipe"
sales copy from another advertisement.
The Secret To Making Successful Business Connections
Written by: Kate Smalley |
Distributed: 2006-10-11 |
Word Count: 672 |
Page Views: 702
| Votes: 6 |
Rating: 4.00
If you have a hard time making successful business connections,
don't despair. Anyone can be good at meeting people-if they use
the right technique. The whole secret to making a positive
connection is knowing how to attract people and inspire them to
want to give you a chance.
How to Build a Really Great Business? (Super Success Secrets from a Legendary Business Master)
Written by: Chet Holmes |
Distributed: 2007-01-15 |
Word Count: 1523 |
Page Views: 790
| Votes: 7 |
Rating: 4.00
Times are tough. The economy is in a constant state of upheaval.
Is your company doing better than most? Are you placing greater
emphasis on pure performance?
How to Charge More and Get It!
Written by: Kendall SummerHawk |
Distributed: 2006-08-01 |
Word Count: 290 |
Page Views: 677
| Votes: 8 |
Rating: 3.88
Why do businesses undercharge for their service? Fear. Fear of
being rejected and fear of being disapproved of certainly. But
the real fear is of not being good enough. Here are some tips to
help you decide what the right price is for your products or
service.
Online Copywriting Makes Content as the King
Written by: Steven Gerber |
Distributed: 2006-12-11 |
Word Count: 560 |
Page Views: 801
| Votes: 7 |
Rating: 3.86
The inverted pyramid is basically the placing of 4 W's in the
primary sentences of the articles, supported by the other W and H
on the following discussions. Four W's consist of what, when,
where, and who. The other W which stands for why on the other
hand, follows on the succeeding paragraphs, including the
elaboration for the H which also stands for how, if necessary.
|
|
|
Article Statistics
|
Find This Article Title In The Search Engines:
Widow Search
Right Blinker
Google
Yahoo!
Zuula
Bing
Cuil
Last Distribution Date:
2009-07-07 14:36:00
Word Count: 1249
Total Views: 307
Views This Month: 21
Views Last Month: 20
Article Rating: 2.56 of 5
Votes Cast: 9
Author Overall Stats:
Times Viewed Overall: 309
Author Overall Rating:
2.56 of 5
Votes Cast Overall: 9
More Articles By This Author:
Articles On This Website
|
|
|
Article Reprint Rights
|
This work is
licensed under a
Creative Commons
License
You are not required to show the creative commons license notice when you reprint this work.
|
|
Home
for Writers
for Publishers
Article Directory
Article Search
Get RSS Feed