OPSEC Guidelines

Operational Security (OPSEC) isn't just a military concept—it's a way of life that protects you, your family, and your brothers and sisters in the Alliance. These guidelines ensure we maintain the privacy and security that makes IWA a safe space for all members.

Why OPSEC Matters

• Personal Safety: Many members hold security clearances, work in sensitive positions, or have deployment histories that require discretion
• Family Protection: Your OPSEC protects not just you, but your loved ones
• Community Trust: We share personal stories, challenges, and experiences that require confidentiality
• Professional Integrity: Maintaining OPSEC protects your career and reputation

Social Media Guidelines

DO NOT:

• Post screenshots or quotes from IWA Signal group conversations
• Tag members in posts without explicit permission
• Share photos from IWA gatherings that reveal faces without consent
• Discuss specific operational details, deployments, or unit activities
• Reveal the identity of members who work in sensitive positions
• Share details about IWA membership verification processes

DO:

• Keep social media profiles private or use discretion on public posts
• Think before you post: "Could this compromise someone's safety or privacy?"
• Ask for permission before sharing any content that involves other members
• Use general terms when discussing your service ("I served" vs. specific units/locations)

Signal Group Security

The IWA Signal group is our primary communication channel. To maintain its security:

• Verify before adding: Only leadership can add new members after DD-214 verification
• Disappearing messages: Use disappearing message settings for sensitive discussions
• No screenshots: Don't screenshot group conversations for sharing outside the group
• Device security: Keep your phone locked with a strong passcode or biometrics
• Report suspicious activity: If you notice unusual behavior, alert leadership immediately

Information Sharing

When discussing your service or IWA membership:

Safe to Share:

• General branch of service (Army, Navy, Marines)
• Approximate time period of service (e.g., "2000s era")
• General job field (e.g., "infantry," "aviation," "intelligence" - without specifics)
• That you're part of a veteran support network

Requires Discretion:

• Specific unit designations and duty stations
• Deployment locations and dates
• Names of fellow service members without permission
• Classified or sensitive information (obviously)
• Current security clearance status
• Specific details about IWA members and their backgrounds

Personal Safety Practices

• Location services: Be mindful of geotagging in photos and posts
• Travel security: Don't announce travel plans publicly, especially for overseas trips
• Home address: Keep your residential address private; use P.O. boxes when needed
• Family protection: Limit posting about family members' schedules, schools, or workplaces
• Routine patterns: Avoid posting regular schedules that reveal daily patterns

In-Person Gatherings

When IWA members meet in person:

• Respect others' privacy regarding attendance and participation
• Ask before taking photos; never post photos showing faces without explicit consent
• Be aware of your surroundings and who might overhear conversations
• Use first names only or call signs if preferred
• Don't share gathering locations publicly before or during events

Professional Considerations

Many members work in positions requiring security clearances or professional discretion:

• Never discuss classified information, even in the Signal group
• Be aware that association with certain groups could trigger security reviews
• Maintain professional boundaries when discussing work
• Report any security incidents or concerns to your security officer
• Remember that OPSEC violations can have career-ending consequences

Reporting Violations

If you observe an OPSEC violation or security concern:

• Contact IWA leadership immediately via Signal
• Document the incident (date, time, nature of violation)
• Do not publicly call out violations—handle through leadership channels
• Understand that violations may result in removal from the Alliance

Last Updated: October 2025