Information protection is paramount

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jacob Morgan
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Due to mission requirements, many Team Dover members often find themselves working with classified information, or information that could affect current operations. The Air Force's Information Security Program exists to protect sensitive information from falling into the wrong hands.

The program is a balance between protecting too little and too much information. Three members from the Information Protection Office direct more than 100 security managers at Dover Air Force Base, Del., to walk the line between protecting the nation and allowing for the public's right to information.

"If we don't make sure classified material is properly safeguarded; lives could be in danger," said John Vander Ven, the information protection manager with the 436th Airlift Wing. "At the same time we must honor Executive Orders that allow transparency to the public."

The IPO and security managers around the base are responsible for three main areas when dealing with sensitive information: information security, personnel security and industrial security.

Information security includes teaching the necessary knowledge to all base members and making sure information is provided to the workforce on how to perform security functions. Information security also includes making sure the force is aware of security changes and keeping members motivated about security. In order to have access to classified information the member must possess an appropriate security clearance, have a need to know and have a signed SF 312 -- classified nondisclosure agreement on file.

Personnel security includes investigations for security clearances, unescorted entry into restricted areas and eligibility requests. This specific area of information protection is used to ensure the acceptance and retention of federal employees consistent with national security interest, and to ensure personnel are loyal, trustworthy and reliable.

Industrial security includes dealing with contractors coming into the installation and working. They assist security offices in conducting interviews with contractor management to determine organizational structure, assure clearance levels, examine procedures and ensure security training.

We protect classified information against two major threats; espionage, and careless negligence of trusted people, said Vander Ven. If security rules are broken there can be serious consequences.

Any criminal activity or incident that could call into question the character of a member with security credentials will cause an investigation and temporary suspension of their clearance. If the member loses their clearance permanently, they are not allowed to re-enlist or work with classified material for the remainder of their enlistment.

"With these three programs, we ensure as little incidents as possible," said Vander Ven. "We want to keep service members safe."