What is a key component of systematically assessing OPSEC status?

Evaluating effectiveness at all levels is a key component of systematically assessing Operational Security (OPSEC) status because it ensures a comprehensive approach to identifying vulnerabilities and protecting sensitive information across an organization. This involves analyzing how well OPSEC measures are implemented and the degree to which they mitigate risks, not just at a single point in the organization but throughout all levels — from command to operational teams.

By assessing effectiveness at various levels, personnel can pinpoint weaknesses, evaluate the success of current strategies, and implement necessary adjustments. This ongoing evaluation helps maintain the integrity of operations and enhances the organization's ability to safeguard critical assets from potential threats, ensuring that OPSEC practices are relevant and effective in varying circumstances.

In contrast, random checks of personnel, regular updates of equipment, and informing the media about operations do not comprehensively address the need for a systematic assessment. While personnel checks or equipment updates may contribute to OPSEC, they are not holistic evaluations of effectiveness across the entire organization, and communicating operational details to the media could potentially increase risk by exposing sensitive information.