How does the Navy define "operational security"?

The definition of "operational security" in the Navy emphasizes the importance of protecting sensitive information to prevent it from being exploited by adversaries. This involves identifying critical information, assessing potential threats, and implementing measures to keep sensitive data secure. The focus is on ensuring that information about operations, plans, or capabilities is not disclosed in a way that could allow enemy forces to gain an advantage.

The other choices, while important in their respective contexts, do not accurately describe operational security. Maintaining equipment readiness pertains to the state of preparedness of naval assets, recruiting and retaining personnel focuses on human resources, and emergency response measures deal with protocols for responding to crises or disasters. None of these options address the specific safeguarding of sensitive information, which is the core of operational security.