FORT HUACHUCA, Ariz. – The Communications Security Logistics Activity, known as CSLA, plays a critical role as the Army's COMSEC Commodity Manager and Subject Matter Expert. CSLA’s mission is to ensure the security of Army communications by conducting audits and inspections of all COMSEC accounts. With over 50 years of experience, they have been supporting Headquarters, Department of the Army, G-2 in this capacity since 1970.

The COMSEC audit and inspection program plays a vital role in ensuring that COMSEC materials within the Army are properly safeguarded and accounted for. This program is designed to validate the security and integrity of a command's COMSEC program, adhering to standards established by Army regulations. To achieve this, CSLA conducts comprehensive COMSEC audits and inspections on a biennial cycle, which involves a thorough review of COMSEC account processes and operations.

Army Regulation 380-40 establishes the policies and procedures for conducting COMSEC audits and inspections, which are designed to ensure that COMSEC material and equipment are properly accounted for, stored, and handled in accordance with national, Department of Defense, and Army regulations. These audits and inspections are conducted by trained and certified auditors who review COMSEC accounting records, perform a 100% inventory of COMSEC key and equipment, and evaluate COMSEC handling and storage procedures. The results of the audit and inspection supports commanders by providing them with accurate and reliable information about the effectiveness of their COMSEC program and enables commanders to make informed decisions affecting the security of COMSEC material.

The CSLA COMSEC Audit Team consist of nine Department of the Army Civilians that have completed the HQDA, G-2 approved Auditor Certification Program. The certification program includes specialized COMSEC auditor training, as well as Security Professional Education Development Security Fundamentals Professional Certification courses. The audit team travels the globe to audit and inspect Army COMSEC accounts, ensuring that COMSEC material is being properly accounted for, stored, and handled. The audit process is designed to identify and mitigate potential security risks and to provide reassurance that COMSEC material is being handled and stored in accordance with established policies and procedures.

The CSLA COMSEC audit program is essential to ensuring the security of the Army's communication systems and networks. Even the strongest encryption and most secure protocols cannot protect classified information and networks from users who do not employ proper security practices. The COMSEC audit program provides oversight to ensure proper accountability for COMSEC material, ensuring that it is properly accounted for and tracked. The program also helps to reduce the risk of insider threats and other security risks, protecting classified information and networks from unauthorized access or disclosure. By ensuring that COMSEC material is being handled and safeguarded properly, the CSLA COMSEC Audit program plays a critical role in maintaining the security and integrity of the Army's communication systems and networks.

The CSLA COMSEC Audit program is a complex and comprehensive process that involves multiple stakeholders and organizations. The program requires close coordination and cooperation between CSLA, the Army's COMSEC accounts, and other stakeholders to ensure that COMSEC material is being properly accounted for and tracked. The program also requires a high level of technical expertise and knowledge of COMSEC policies and procedures.

The CSLA COMSEC Audit team is instrumental in identifying and mitigating potential security risks and in providing actionable recommendations to enhance COMSEC practices and procedures. Through comprehensive and independent reviews of COMSEC accounts, the CSLA COMSEC audit program helps to safeguard the security and reliability of the Army's communication systems and networks, ensuring the integrity of sensitive information and the continuity of critical operations.

CSLA analyzes all discrepancies found during COMSEC audits, and the results are provided to HQDA G-2 as part of the Annual COMSEC assessment Report. Some of the most common finding identified during COMSEC audits are:

  • Failure to accurately document the destruction of COMSEC material
  • Failure to implement the minimum physical security protective measure for safeguarding COMSEC material
  • Failure to account for COMSEC material
  • Failure to conduct or properly document the inventory of COMSEC material
  • Failure to adhere to access control requirements to COMSEC facilities

Ultimately, the CSLA COMSEC audit program is a vital component of the US Army's COMSEC enterprise, providing rigorous oversight and accountability to ensure compliance with national, Department of Defense, and Army policies and regulations. By doing so, the program helps mitigate the risk of insider threats and other emerging security threats, ultimately safeguarding national security systems. The CSLA COMSEC audit program plays a critical role in ensuring the security and integrity of these systems by verifying that COMSEC material is handled and protected in accordance with established standards.

To obtain additional information on the Army’s COMSEC audit program, scheduling, audit notifications, and preparation for audits, Command COMSEC representatives can contact the CSLA audit team at usarmy.huachuca.cecom.list.ilsc-csla-auditors@army.mil or the Chief, Compliance and Assessment Branch at usarmy.huachuca.cecom.list.ilsc-csla-comsec-procedures@army.mil.