The following are basic principles of security, which everyone should keep in mind.

• The principal of deception: Complete deception is indispensable to the success of security operations. Be a good actor or pretender. In addition to some histrionic skill, this condition calls for quick wits, ready answers and often, high mobility.

• The principal of classifying all information: Information means all communications whether spoken or written. It is anything about personnel, movement, aims, objectives and means employed that would aid your threat.

• The principal of obedience: All team members must abide by the rules that are adopted by the organization concerning security. In addition, this includes any information or orders that is assigned to him or her. lf anyone disobeys, they could jeopardize the security of all involved.

• The principal of continual inspection: Why continual inspect? Because people change. The biggest thieves are usually trusted with very large responsibilities. The trustworthy person of today may be dishonest tomorrow. Proof of which is in every embezzlement case! Not only do people change but so dose the importance they place on their own security. Given enough time, people will begin to relax. This is why there is a need for everyone to be constantly inspected.

• Avoiding attention: One way for any individual or team to die a quick and sure death, is to attract undue attention to itself. The most lethal operations are unknown to the enemy until they inflict damage.

• The principal of fluid change: This is best seen in often changes in the locations of meeting places, routes etc. This same principle can also be applied to any individual or organization. Stay one step ahead of a threat. This principle is necessary because if given enough time, proper intelligence can crack the security of any organization. It means to remain fluid. So old security measures must be constantly replaced and updated.

• System: A security program is on the right track if procedures are outlined and made clear to all Each person must be trained to work the system involved. Above all, their enthusiasm and moral must be kept at high peak.

• Action: Personnel must be alert to the problems. All must know what to do and what not to do in regard to team and personal security. The program cannot be limited to the team leaders but must include all involved; the whole team must be enlisted to action. Sometimes this action must be directed against offenders. Firm enforcement puts teeth into a security program.

A conflict will not be won on the security front by observing one or more of these principles. All must be followed diligently. And even when all of this is done, you must remain alert 24 hours a day. REMEMBER-it is he who lets his guard down first and most that loses the game.