MARINE CORPS AIR STATION YUMA, Ariz. -- Adapt and overcome is a saying often heard in the Marine Corps, because just as the face of warfare is constantly changing, so must the warriors who fight it.
The Information Security Management Office is an example of just that.
ISMO was originally created to set up and repair the Marine Corps' computer system and troubleshoot any problems that arose as technology became a more integral part of the Corps. Often times referred to as "IT," or information technology, it has adapted to do what's needed as time went on.
While ISMO might have served as an IT office in the past, this is not the case now. Their duties have switched from customer service to a more security intensive role.
Customer Technology Representative and director of ISMO, T. J. White said, "We do more than just IT."
They act as a liaison between the air station and the Navy-Marine Corps Intranet and keep a 24-hour watch on the Defense Messaging System, which relays official information, such as orders, accident reports, directives and American Red Cross emergency messages up and down the chain of command.
In fact, other than Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Marine Corps Air Station Yuma is the only Marine installation on the West Coast that still keeps a 24-hour watch on the DMS, said White.
"Just because other bases don't do it, and it seems to be the way the Marine Corps is going, doesn't mean we aren't going to do it," said White. "We're not just a standard base or station that does standard things. We do training."
That training is part of what has caused ISMO to develop into what they are today.
ISMO supports the station's Legacy computer network, which existed before the implementation of NMCI and is kept around for its ability to be modified. This adaptability meets the unique needs of the station during training exercises such as Exercise Desert Talon and the Weapons and Tactics Instructor course.
The Marines and civilian employees at ISMO have to modify the network for the use of units from other installations. ISMO gives the visiting Marines and sailors access for the time they're here and provide technical support for the units during their stay.
"We try to provide the best customer service we can," said White. "Sometimes we run into problems that keep something from working, but we just do it. You just continue on."
Another important issue ISMO is in charge of is information assurance, or security for the station's computers. This duty includes stopping computer hackers, fixing vulnerabilities in station software and making sure the network isn't abused.
The ISMO personnel work daily to update their security and monitors network usage, and also works with Marines to make sure they are aware of the security risks posed by inappropriate network usage and viruses sent through e-mail.
"It all goes back to user awareness," said Gunnery Sgt. Robert H. Cooper, ISMO staff noncommissioned officer-in-charge, the information awareness manager and native of Azle, Texas.
ISMO is the station's last line of defense on the electronic front, providing and maintaining the security required to run the base as efficiently as possible and safeguarding classified information that may quite possibly save Marines' lives, said Cooper.
Marines can get involved in station information security by taking the online Information Assurance Awareness course at the Web site http://www.marinenet.usmc.mil.