NCOA Policy Letters - Soldier Support Institute - U.S. Army

Critical Information1. Identification of Critical Information: Critical Information consists of specific facts aboutfriendly intentions, capabilities and activities vitally needed by adversaries for them to plan andact effectively to guarantee failure or unacceptable consequences for friendly missionaccomplishment. If we do not properly protect our critical information, someone who isinterested in harming us or our operations may gather enough unclassified information to enabletheir plans. This information could be written documents or conversations overheard in socialgatherings. The results could be devastating.2. The following list includes examples of Critical Information topics, but does not represent anactual Critical Information List as defined in AR 530-1. This list is only to reinforce some typesof information that OPSEC protects, including:- Current and future operations- Travel itineraries- Usernames and passwords- Access/Identification cards- Personal identification information- Entry/Exit procedures- Capabilities and limitations- Address and phone lists- Attendance rosters- Budget information, including procurement information or actions- Building plans- VIP/distinguished visitor schedules3. During inprocessing of new arrivals the NCO Academy OPSEC Manager will ensure they arebriefed on all Critical Information List as outlined in the Academy’s OPSEC SOP.3