OPSEC Guidelines

Purpose

These Operational Security (OPSEC) guidelines protect Alliance members, maintain mission integrity, and ensure compliance with federal law and military regulations.

Bottom line: If you wouldn't say it in a security brief, don't say it here.

Core OPSEC Principles

1. Assume All Communications Are Monitored

Even on encrypted platforms, practice discipline:

• Write as if a counterintelligence officer is reading
• No classified or sensitive information, period
• When in doubt, leave it out

2. Protect Critical Information

Never share:

• Unit designations (battalion, squadron, ship, etc.)
• Deployment locations, dates, or rotations
• Classified material or discussion of classified topics
• Security procedures or vulnerabilities
• Personnel movement or operational plans
• Technology specifications or capabilities

Acceptable:

• Branch of service (Army, Navy, USMC, USAF, USSF, USCG)
• General MOS/AFSC/Rating (e.g., "logistics officer," "intel analyst")
• Years of service or rank (without unit specifics)
• Professional development and transition topics

3. Member Privacy Is Sacred

Always required:

• Explicit consent before posting photos with identifiable members
• Permission before sharing someone's story or experience
• Anonymization when discussing outcomes or case studies

Default:

• First name only in group discussions
• No tagging members in public posts
• Private messages for sensitive topics

Platform-Specific Guidance

Signal Group

Security Level: HIGH

Use for:

• Day-to-day coordination
• Sensitive mentorship discussions
• Time-sensitive updates
• Private member support

Rules:

• Disappearing messages: 1 week default
• No screenshots without permission
• No forwarding to external contacts
• Verify all new members before adding

LinkedIn Private Group

Security Level: MODERATE

Use for:

• Professional networking and development
• Public-safe career discussions
• Resource sharing (articles, opportunities)
• Announcements and events

Rules:

• Assume LinkedIn monitors all content
• No OPSEC violations (see prohibited topics)
• Professional tone at all times
• Link to Signal for sensitive follow-ups

External Communications

Security Level: LOW (Public)

Use for:

• General information about the Alliance
• Public-safe content (creed, values, mission)
• Career transition resources

Rules:

• Founder approval required for all external statements
• No member names or photos without consent
• No operational details whatsoever

Prohibited Topics (All Platforms)

1. Classified Information
   • Anything marked CONFIDENTIAL, SECRET, TOP SECRET
   • Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)
   • FOUO (For Official Use Only) material
2. Operational Details
   • Deployments (past, present, future)
   • Unit locations or movements
   • Mission specifics or tactics
3. Security Procedures
   • Access control methods
   • Clearance processes
   • Counterintelligence operations
4. Technology & Capabilities
   • Weapons systems specifications
   • Intelligence collection methods
   • Cyber operations or vulnerabilities
5. Personnel Information
   • Full names with ranks and units
   • Home addresses or contact info
   • Family member details

Foreign Contact and Travel

Requirement: If you are subject to foreign contact reporting requirements (security clearance holders), comply with your agency/branch regulations.

Best Practice:

• Inform Founding Circle if you will be traveling to high-risk countries
• Be mindful that Alliance membership may be of interest to foreign intelligence services
• Report suspicious inquiries about the Alliance or its members

Social Media OPSEC

General Rules:

1. Do not list "Ismaili Warrior Alliance" on public profiles without vetting with leadership
2. Do not post photos from Alliance events without member consent
3. Do not tag members in ways that reveal military affiliation
4. Review your privacy settings regularly

Red Flags:

• Geotagging locations
• Posting while on mission or deployment
• Revealing travel plans before they occur
• Connecting with unknown foreign nationals

Consequences of OPSEC Violations

Note: Federal law (18 U.S.C. § 798) makes unauthorized disclosure of classified information a criminal offense. The Alliance will cooperate fully with authorities if such violations occur.

What to Do If You See a Violation

1. Do not engage publicly. Send a private message to the member if safe to do so.
2. Report immediately to Founding Circle via Signal.
3. Document (screenshot if necessary, then delete from your device after reporting).
4. Do not share the violation with others outside of leadership.

Reporting Channel: [Secure Signal number to be established]

OPSEC Self-Audit

Before posting anything, ask:

1. ✅ Would I say this in front of my commanding officer?
2. ✅ Does this reveal operational details?
3. ✅ Could this information be used against the U.S. or its allies?
4. ✅ Am I protecting member privacy?
5. ✅ Is this something I'd be comfortable seeing on the front page of a newspaper?

If you answer "no" to any of these, do not post.

Training and Awareness

New Member Orientation:

• All new members must acknowledge OPSEC guidelines before gaining full access
• Onboarding includes OPSEC scenario training

Ongoing:

• Annual OPSEC refresher for all members
• Leadership monitors for emerging threats and updates guidelines as needed

Additional Resources

DoD OPSEC:

• https://www.esd.whs.mil/OPSEC/

Branch-Specific OPSEC:

• Army: AR 530-1
• Navy: SECNAVINST 3070.2
• Marine Corps: MCO 3070.2
• Air Force: AFI 10-701
• Coast Guard: COMDTINST M3070.1

Alliance Contact:

• Founding Circle via secure Signal channel

Acknowledgment

I have read and understand the Ismaili Warrior Alliance OPSEC Guidelines. I commit to:

1. Protect classified and sensitive information at all times
2. Maintain member privacy and security
3. Report violations immediately
4. Accept full responsibility for my communications

"Discipline protects. Silence shields. Trust is earned."

Strength in Service. Wisdom in Faith.