Consider your unit’s security needs

Moving: What security level will your new unit require?

WITH the release of posting orders for 2006, the Army Security Authority wants you to consider your security requirements for your new unit.

Most importantly, do you need a security upgrade to do your new job? Is it likely that you will score a unit or facility security position? Will you have to undertake any specialist security training (such as a USO seminar) to do the job?

When you receive a posting order, contact your next unit to establish your security requirements. A quick phone call to the person you are replacing might satisfy all your security queries in one go. This type of direct contact is especially important when you are posted on promotion.

Answers to these questions should be of interest not only to you but to your future commander and subordinates. If you march into your job without the right clearance you could face a large time delay waiting for it. Waiting between three and six months for the correct clearances is never ideal. In some cases, you will not even be able to access the front door let alone carry out your expected tasks.

If you think you may face any of these issues upon posting, now is the time to take steps to ensure your security classification is appropriate to your upcoming role and responsibilities. Approach your unit security officer to obtain an E-Pack Security Upgrade Application pack. The earlier you complete the details, the earlier your case officer will be appointed

If you are a unit security officer, expect people from your unit to approach you over the next few months to get specific information on E-Packs and general security clearances. Now is the time to prepare a midyear security brief focusing on end-ofyear travel requirements, E-Packs and the Army common security threats.

These topics are particularly relevant considering Army’s large commitment to current operations. Your local security section can assist you with any queries you may have with regard security in general, or security issues in your region.

Defence Security Authority web site: intranet.defence.gov.au/dsa