Pentagon Stiffens Cell-Phone Policy but Avoids Full Ban

The Washington Times, 23 May 2018: The Defense Department this week stiffened its policy on cellphone use inside the Pentagon but stopped short of the complete ban that had been under consideration and which would’ve marked a major day-to-day change for the tens of thousands of employees who work inside the sprawling facility. The new protocol was first reported by The Associated Press, citing an internal Pentagon memo that was made public late Tuesday. The document applies to “laptops, tablets, cellular phones, smart-watches, and other devices,” and represents the latest effort by government and military officials who oversee the nation’s secrets to figure out how best to handle powerful technological devices that have become ubiquitous in American life. Under the revamped policy — which had been a matter of debate for months inside the Defense Department — cellphone use will still be allowed in common areas of the building, such as cafeterias and restaurants, and in any office where no classified information is present. Inside offices where classified information is being discussed, or where such information can be found on computers on documents, the Pentagon will tighten policies that require all electronic devices to be turned off and left in secured storage containers outside the room. The policy will be enforced through random inspections inside those classified areas. It’s almost certain the tougher policy will require the construction of new secure containers throughout the building, though officials said they don’t yet have a cost estimate for that project. At its core, the new policy aims to address the ever-increasing capabilities of modern cellphones and to protect the military’s most closely held information. Throughout much of the massive complex, cellphone reception is virtually nonexistent.
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The policy of no cell-phones / wireless devices in areas containing classified material has been in place for many years (it just tended to be ignored).

DOD Directive 8100.2 (April 14, 2004) states: para. 4.2. Cellular/PCS and/or other RF or Infrared (IR) wireless devices shall not be allowed into an area where classified information is discussed or processed without written approval from the DAA in consultation with the Cognizant Security Authority (CSA) Certified TEMPEST Technical Authority (CTTA).

Security managers are frequently faced with some self-important delicate little violet who feels the need to chat on his Blackberry while typing on the SIPR Net. Reporting these violations usually does no good as leadership is more concerned about not upsetting the person violating the regulation than protecting the nations secrets. I am glad to see that the Pentagon - and hopefully the rest of DOD - is starting to pay attention its own security regulations (many of which have been in place for years).