Being in the military sometimes requires keeping secrets.  Imagine, for instance, if the Nazis knew about D-Day plans ahead of the Allied offensive….it probably would have changed the course of world history.  Thankfully, those who knew the information kept that secret well.

Today, information is everywhere, and it seems much more difficult to keep those secrets.  Anyone can learn from a website how to intercept cell phone calls, hack into websites, view any street corner in the world on Google, or take photos at any time of the day or night from miles away.   There are people spying all over the place — and not just on the military or government organizations.  Corporate secrets are also being compromised — with companies looking for information to help them increase their profits in the global marketplace.

Add to all this skullduggery and espionage the way that assymetrical warfare is fought today — with terrorists and other nefarious types using small bits of information to plan attacks.  That’s why the commitment and situational awareness of a Soldier with information of all types is so crucial. 

The Soldiers of the 314th PAOC, like every other Soldier, are trained in how to keep secrets, and how to react if they notice someone trying to take advantage of those secrets to endanger them or their battle buddies.  However, they also are asked to keep that same kind of information a secret from their loved ones.  It’s not that mothers, fathers, husbands and wives, and others cannot be trusted.  It’s just policy.  In fact, Soldiers sometimes cannot tell their fellow Soldiers those secrets.

So, over the next year, our Soldiers will be practicing their security skills while they safeguard information….and sometimes it might frustrate their loved ones.   But please remember, that little bit of frustration you have to endure might save their lives — and you can tell everyone that.