OPSEC and PERSEC

OPSEC = Operational Security

These are certain rules regarding information that can and cannot be given out regarding troops, movements, and other information.
I will be following OPSEC so some of my posts may seem a bit vague at times.
Even in this day and age "Loose lips sink ships" (or delay R&R, offset movements, etc. Point being- loose lips are BAD!)
You can find the OPSEC rules here: http://www.marriedtothearmy.com/army_101_opsec.htm

PERSEC= Personal Security

I may from time to time mention PERSEC. My mom and I use this term, though it's doubtful we made it up. I'm not sure where we got it!
Basically, use common sense when your man's away (and preferably always).
The yellow ribbons on cars are lovely, so are the "half my heart is in Iraq, Kuwait, etc." Stickers. They're lovely on homes too.. however, they make you a prime target. They announce to everyone that you're on your own for a good while. Be careful what information you make public and what information you may be sending with the best of intentions!

My friend Stacey (who owns Marriedtothearmy.com) puts it best:
PERSEC is also known as personal security. Like OPSEC, this involves guarding the information that you know. Do not give out your soldier’s name along with rank. This includes blacking out his name tape and rank in pictures. If he is in a special operations unit, you should also black out any unit affiliation.

Be vague about your personal information as an Army wife or Army family member on the internet [and elsewhere]. This is plain common sense in just every day life – regardless of if your family member is in the military.