CHAPTER 10 PHYSICAL SECURITY

Physical security is that part of security concerned with physical measures designed to safeguard personnel; to prevent unauthorized access to equipment, facilities, material, computer media, and documents; and to safeguard them against espionage, sabotage, damage, and theft. This chapter addresses the many facets of a physical security program.

PHYSICAL SECURITY DEFINITIONS

LEARNING OBJECTIVE Define 12 terms that apply to physical security programs.

The following definitions apply to the physical security programs as discussed in this chapter:

. Activity. Any unit of the Naval Shore Establishment of distinct identity and established under an officer in command or in charge, by direction from appropriate authority.

. Auxiliary Security Force (ASF). An armed force composed of local, nondeploying military assets derived from host and tenant commands under the operational control of the host command's security department. The ASF is used to augment the installation's permanent security force during increased threat conditions or when directed by the host command. 

l Counterterrorism. Offensive measures taken to prevent, deter, and respond to terrorism. 

. Exception. A written, approved, long-term (36 months or longer) or permanent deviation from a specific security requirement. 

. Facility. A real property entity consisting of one or more of the following: a building, a structure, a utility system, pavement, and underlying land. 

. Installation. A grouping of facilities, located in the same vicinity, that support particular functions. Installations may be elements of a base. 

l Pilferage. Petty larceny; stealing of small items, generally stored goods. 

l Property. All assets, including real property, facilities, funds, and negotiable instruments; arms, ammunitions, and explosives; tools and equipment; material and supplies; microwave towers; communication antennas and power transformers; computer hardware and software; and information in the form of documents and other media, whether categorized as routine or special, unclassified or classified, nonsensitive or sensitive, conventional or nuclear, critical, valuable or precious. 

. Plan of action and milestones (POA&M). A written document identifying specific security deficiencies, corrective courses of action, and expected dates of completion.

. Security manager. An individual, appointed in writing by the commanding officer, responsible for the development, implementation, and management of the command's Information and Personnel Security Program. The security manager acts as the commanding officer's principal advisor in matters pertaining to the security of classified information. 

. Security officer. An individual appointed in writing by the commanding officer, who is responsible for the development, implementation, and management of the command's Law Enforcement and Physical Security Program. 

. Waiver. A written temporary relief, normally for a period of 1 year, from specific security requirements, pending actions or accomplishment of action that will result in conformance with the minimum security standards.

SECURITY RESPONSIBILITIES

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Explain individual responsibility for security in the Navy. List the specific responsibilities of the commanding officer, security officer, and security manager. Describe the composition of a security department, and list the five basic categories of duties of a security department. Explain the organizational role of the security officer in a command's security program.

Security is the direct responsibility of every person (military and civilian) in the Department of the Navy.

To have a good physical security program, the program must receive command attention and direction from all echelons within the chain of command. The physical security functions should be carried out by well-trained personnel. Much emphasis is placed on the commanding officer to make sure the commands security posture is accurately assessed and that security resources are appropriate to execute these programs.

COMMANDING OFFICER

The commanding officer of an activity is ultimately responsible for all security, including physical security, within that activity. The commanding officer makes the appointment of an adequately trained and/or experienced security officer to develop and manage the physical security program, which is paramount to the command's mission. The commanding officer also provides sufficient resources, staff assistance, and authority to the security officer to implement, manage, and execute an effective Physical Security and Loss Prevention Program.

SECURITY OFFICER

The security officer is designated in writing by the commanding officer. The security officer reports directly to the commanding officer, keeping the executive officer informed, and is responsible in assisting the commanding officer by determining the adequacy of the command's Physical Security and Loss Prevention Program. The security officer identifies those areas where improved physical security and loss prevention are required. Chapter 1 of the Physical Security and Loss Prevention Manual, OPNAVINST 5530.14, covers in detail how the security officer performs his or her duties.

The level of training/experience required of the Physical Security Officer varies, depending upon the complexity, size, and mission of the activity. In smaller commands, the security officer position may be a collateral duty requiring only limited security training or experience and may be, in commands of less than 200 personnel, assigned to a senior enlisted (E-7 or above) with appropriate experience or training. In larger commands, installations, and bases, the security officer billet is assigned to a fully trained or experienced commissioned officer or warrant officer and is normally treated as a department head tour.

SECURITY MANAGER

The security manager is the commanding officer's advisor and direct representative in matters pertaining to the security of classified material. In the performance of these duties, the security manager is guided by OPNAVINST 5510.1. The security officer supports the security manager in protecting classified material. The security manager may serve concurrently as the security officer.