Going above and beyond requirements of NISP Enhancement Category 11

Going above and beyond requirements of NISP Enhancement Category 11 includes membership and attendance in Security Community Events.

Enrollment and attendance in security community and professional organization events demonstrates contribution and growth. For inspection purposes, be sure to collect sign-in sheets, training handouts and more importantly demonstrate application of lessons learned to show proof of your involvement. Monthly lunch meetings, working groups and other opportunities are places where members of a similar community meet to learn or solve common problems.

The National Industrial Security Program organizations include:

Industrial Security Awareness Council (ISAC)
 ISAC- ISAC is an informal, non-profit association of defense contractor, Defense Security Service, and Federal Bureau of Investigation personnel. It was formed to assist defense contractors in compliance with the National Industrial Security program and with the protection of classified and company proprietary information through training for security personnel, provision of security awareness media and materials, and dissemination of counterintelligence and other security-related information.

National Industrial Security Program Policy Advisory Committee (NISPPAC)
 The National Industrial Security Program Policy Advisory Committee, comprised of both Government and industry representatives, is responsible for recommending changes in industrial security policy through modifications to Executive Order 12829, its implementing directives, and the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual. The NISPPAC also advises the Information Security Oversight Office on all matters concerning the policies of the National Industrial Security Program (NISP), including recommended changes to those policies, and serves as a forum to discuss policy issues in dispute.

Society of Industrial Security Professionals (NCMS)
The purpose of the Society is to advance the practice of classification management in the disciplines of industrial security, information security, government designated unclassified information, and intellectual property, and to foster the highest qualities of security professionalism among its members.

The National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA)
NDIA is America’s leading Defense Industry association promoting national security. NDIA is proud to provide a legal and ethical forum for the exchange of information between Industry and Government on National Security issues. Our members foster the development of the most innovative and superior equipment, training and support for our warfighters and first responders through our divisions, local chapters, affiliated associations and events.

Going above and beyond includes not only joining organizations, but documenting attendance and using knowledge learned to improve security at your organization.

Jeffrey W. Bennett, ISP is the owner of Red Bike Publishing Red Bike Publishing . Jeff is an accomplished writer of non-fiction books, novels and periodicals. He also owns Red bike Publishing. Published books include: "Get Rich in a Niche-Insider's Guide to Self Publishing in a Specialized Industry" and "Commitment-A Novel". Jeff is an expert in security and has written many security books including: "Insider's Guide to Security Clearances" and "DoD Security Clearances and Contracts Guidebook", "ISP Certification-The Industrial Security Professional Exam Manual", and NISPOM/FSO Training" See Red Bike Publishing for print copies of: Army Leadership, The Ranger Handbook, The Army Physical Readiness Manual, Drill and Ceremonies, The ITAR, and The NISPOM

Reinvigorating the Network

Even after reading Dig Your Well Before You’re Thirsty by Harvey Mackay; Brag!: The Art of Tooting Your Own Horn Without Blowing It! by Peggy Klaus, nothing less than experience can prepare the professional for the necessity of good old fashion networking. This is especially true if security is a new career field, or you are continuing your career in a new company or location.

A career in security is rewarding and challenging. The work is important and people genuinely appreciate our service. The security profession requires a high degree of interaction as our paths cross in training or through contractual execution. However, we are somewhat guarded discussing our business with new or otherwise unknown persons. Security professionals require time to develop trusting working relationships. It’s the nature of the business. Try conducting business over the phone with someone you don’t know. Chances are you had to be cautious and it took a few more interactions before finally recognized names and working relationships.

So, how do we accelerate this networking curve? That’s right, through fostering relationships on the job and professional organizations such as NCMS or ASIS. Security professionals have a lot of experience that is definitely worth sharing. You may also consider joining committees, volunteering in the community, or sharing your expertise in a few key areas. There are skills that you have and others who are willing to learn.

Some of us are the only ones in the security department. Others are part of a huge security organization. In either case, chances are that you rely on teamwork within your industry, the community and the government. To help become more influential in the good fight of “selling security”, it is necessary to involve all the players. Those in the security industry should network with each other, business leaders, police, firefighters, public safety, local and national government agencies and any other members of the community. The best way to protect our industry and our national resources is to use our force multipliers.

It doesn't take much to network; just willingness to both help and to learn. What you contribute is invaluable and you are never too old to learn from others.