Just a very *Big Sigh* ... and a slow shake of the head.

Dont prepare, because it might signal theres something to prepare for.

Got logic?

Diane

MAY 12, 1999 . . . 14:06 EDT

Navy: DOD must balance Y2K preparation, public perception

BY BOB BREWIN (antenna@fcw.com)

http://www.fcw.com/pubs/fcw/1999/0510/web-DOD-5-12-99.html

NORFOLK, Va. -- The Defense Department must be careful to prepare for possible Year 2000 problems while not alarming the public, a top Navy official said.

DOD commands worldwide must take prudent steps to ensure that Year 2000 computer date bugs in critical infrastructure systems -- electricity and telephones, for example -- do not cripple operations, according to David Wennergren, deputy chief information officer of the Navy. But Wennergren, speaking here at the service's semiannual Connecting Technology conference, added that preparing for possible interruptions -- what he called "consequence management" -- needs to be balanced with preventing public distrust and worry -- what he called "perception management."

For example, as part of its Year 2000 consequence-management efforts, Wennergren said a Navy base might bring in water tankers shortly before year's end to ensure that the base's water supply is not interrupted if computers fail. But perception management would dictate against such a move "because people outside [the base] would want to do the same thing," Wennergren said.

Wennergren said good perception management also would oppose calling out the National Guard to handle any Year 2000-related incidents. "You do not want to call out the National Guard," because Year 2000 doomsayers would see it as evidence of a large-scale public disruption, he said.

From the Navy's standpoint, Year 2000 should not cause much of a problem because the service has fixed most of its mission-critical systems, Wennergren said. The Navy has certified 612 of its mission-critical systems as Y2K compliant, leaving 53 systems requiring certification.

-- Diane J. Squire (sacredspaces@yahoo.com), May 12, 1999

Answers

"perception management."

This is a classic bit of bafflegab eh! It would be interesting to gather up some of the better obfustication phrases that the authorities love to use.

Here is a good one from FRB Testimony

http://www.bog.frb.fed.us/boarddocs/testimony/1999/19990506.htm

that would risk significantly weakening market discipline by creating or exacerbating """moral hazard."""

What in the heck is """moral hazard""" Cheating?

-- Brian (imager@home.com), May 12, 1999.

"Bafflegab" ... good word Brian!

See also ...

Connecting Technology Spring '99
Norfolk, VA
May 11-13, 1999

Sponsored by the Department of the Navy Chief Information
Office, and the DON IT Umbrella Program

http://www.it- umbrella.navy.mil/ct/

-- Diane J. Squire (sacredspaces@yahoo.com), May 12, 1999.

diane, i talked to a public safety official last night (fire) who believes 911 will be just fine, he has no clue what the FCC has to say about the country as a whole. perception management is working TOO well, the public is asleep, and that public happens to include public safety people who are just as clueless and unprepared as everyone else.

-- jocelyne slough (jonslough@tln.net), May 12, 1999.

I was waist-deep in the lake, bass-fishin' last weekend, when this guy came over to flirt with me. A jailer for the County. I asked him if the cells were going to fail-open or shut at the rollover, and he gave me an unsolicited "7" speech. I went into the Texas-power-looks- pretty-good spiel, he then scared me with what the criminal mind is anticipated to do, notwithstanding technical Y2K problems. I was trying to calm him and he wound up scaring me.

I need solicit some info from more cops.

-- Lisa (lisa@work.now), May 12, 1999.

Lisa,

To me, anecdotes are one of the best reasons for visiting this forum. Can you provide any more info about what type of things corrections and law enforcement people are anticipating?

-- Prometheus (fire@for.man), May 12, 1999.

He didn't go into detail, but opportunism seemed to be the jist. But, again, he was not very optimistic about basic infrastructure, so, sure, you'd expect the criminal element to take advantage of no power, phones, 911 service, etc. If that's where you are.

I'll hunt him down and query him further.

-- Lisa (lisa@work.now), May 12, 1999.

Thanks. Maybe folks who are interested in preparation could pick up a few tips from the precautions these people are taking.

-- Prometheus (fire@for.man), May 12, 1999.

Just for some background links.

From the Schedule of events ...

Keynote - DON Y2K Report Card

David Wennergren, Deputy CIO for Y2K &
Information Assurance
(Navy)

See ...

Department of the Navy Chief Information Officer

http:// www.doncio.navy.mil/links/default.htm

Or ...

Y2K - Federal CIO Council Committee

http:// www.itpolicy.gsa.gov/mks/yr2000/cioy2k.htm

-- Diane J. Squire (sacredspaces@yahoo.com), May 12, 1999.

My bro-in-law is chief of paramedics for a large county. When I discussed y2k with him, he said they had tested all their equipment and fixed or replaced any problems. That was it. y2k to him meant his equipment. He saw no further dimension to y2k. Scary.

-- anon (anon@anon.com), May 13, 1999.