Eglin Signature Management Office prepares base for ORI Published Aug. 12, 2011 By Ralph Milone Eglin Signature Management Officer EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The Air Force Materiel Command inspector general team will conduct an Operational Readiness Inspection here later this year. The overall objective of an ORI is to ensure an effective transition from peacetime to wartime operations at any given moment. The IG team will evaluate processes Eglin uses to achieve this transition. One critical process is the application of Operations Security techniques, which are in place to protect critical information. An OPSEC violation can render plans and capabilities vulnerable, and these vulnerabilities can be targeted or exploited by enemy forces. In preparation for the ORI, the signature management office recently provided instruction to new unit deployment managers and unit control center personnel about OPSEC and how to protect critical information. Offices should conduct this type of training regularly, and manage exercises like real world events. The main focus was Eglin's critical information list, which is divided into five categories: administration; operations; mobilization and training information; research, development and testing; and inspection reports and surveys. Personnel learned to use the Eglin CIL correctly when discussing information over non-secure phones and encrypt messages over e-mails which contain OPSEC CI. Proper OPSEC phone etiquette and shredding procedures were also taught. IG inspectors will be out in organizations, observing personnel in action to ensure they are practicing good OPSEC procedures. OPSEC has a common thread across every organizational boundary. These lessons are important for the UCC and UDM members, but also for all AFMC personnel who will play a role in the upcoming ORI.