In 1988, President Ronald Reagan signed National Security Decision Directive 298 (NSDD 298). This directive established the National Operations Security Program as a means to identify, control, and protect unclassified information and evidence associated with U.S. national security programs and activities. Adversaries or competitors working against the interests of the United States can exploit this information if it is not properly protected.
The NSDD 298 named the Director, National Security Agency, as the Executive Agent for interagency OPSEC training and included in his responsibilites the estabishment and maintenance of the Interagency OPSEC Support Staff. By mandate, this organization shall include representatives from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Central Intelligence Agency, Department of Engery, Department of Homeland Security, and Department of Defense, including the National Security Agency. Other government agencies are encouraged to provide personnel to this staff and participate in interagency OPSEC forums.

The primary responsibility of the Interagency OPSEC Support Staff (IOSS) is to act as a consultant to other U.S government departments or agencies by providing technical guidance and assistance that will result in self-sufficient OPSEC programs for the protection of the U.S. operations. Members of the IOSS staff assess OPSEC programs, assist in OPSEC program development, conduct surveys, and provide training.
The IOSS further supports the National OPSEC Program by providing multimedia products and presenting events that attract attendees from the security, intelligence, research and development, acquisition, and law enforcement communities. These events include the National OPSEC Conference and Exhibition, the National Threat Symposium, and regional training symposia.