Department of Defense
MANUAL
NUMBER 5205.02
November 3, 2008
Incorporating Change 2, Effective October 29, 2020
USD(I&S)
SUBJECT: DoD Operations Security (OPSEC) Program Manual
References: See Enclosure 1
1. PURPOSE. In accordance with the authority in DoD Directive (DoDD) 5205.02 (Reference
(a)), this Manual implements policy, assigns responsibilities, and provides procedures for
managing DoD OPSEC programs.
2. APPLICABILITY. This Manual applies to OSD, the Military Departments, the Office of the
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Joint Staff, the Combatant Commands, the Office
of the Inspector General of the Department of Defense, the Defense Agencies, the DoD Field
Activities, and all other organizational entities within the Department of Defense (hereafter
referred to collectively as the “DoD Components”).
3. DEFINITIONS. See Glossary.
4. POLICY. It is DoD policy according to Reference (a) to establish and maintain OPSEC
programs to ensure national security-related missions and functions are protected. This Manual
lists baseline requirements. Nothing in this Manual abrogates or limits the authority of the Heads
of DoD Components to apply more stringent OPSEC standards as commanders and/or directors
deem necessary.
5. RESPONSIBILITIES. See Enclosure 2.
6. PROCEDURES. Procedures for managing OPSEC programs are outlined in Enclosures 3
through 7.
