Which of the following is a Facility Security Officer (FSO) responsibility?

• A. Ensure the security program is compliant with the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM)
• B. Issue personnel security clearances
• C. Grant facility clearances
• D. Schedule security training for all staff

Answer: (A)

The main duty of a Facility Security Officer is to ensure the security program at the facility complies with the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM). This means implementing and maintaining procedures for safeguarding classified information, controlling access to facilities and materials, handling incident reporting, and keeping records and practices in line with government standards. The FSO acts as the on-site advocate and coordinator for security, conducting self-inspections, ensuring training meets NISPOM requirements, and serving as the liaison with government security offices.

Issuing personnel security clearances and granting facility clearances are government-related processes handled by the appropriate government security authorities, not by the FSO alone. Scheduling security training is part of running a compliant program, but the defining responsibility is ensuring ongoing alignment with NISPOM and the overall security posture of the facility.