2. TRANSEC/COMSEC management.
a. The National Security Agency (NSA) distributes the TRANSEC keys. As part of the initial terminal
startup, the TRANSEC variables are distributed to the units' COMSEC accounts and the operator manually
loads the TRANSEC keys. Before the TRANSEC period expires, the mission control element (MCE)
distributes, over the air, the keys for the upcoming TRANSEC period. Emergency rekey also occurs over the
air (for example, when a network terminal is compromised). Backup and future TRANSEC keys should be on
hand with the unit COMSEC custodian to facilitate rekey in the event over-the-air rekey is not possible.
b. The COMSEC keys are distributed to individual COMSEC accounts for dissemination to individual
terminal users. Both the normal and emergency rekey for data and voice COMSEC devices are done manually.
Backup and upcoming keys are on hand at the terminal-user locations. The number of variables issued to each
terminal and user depends on the mission of that terminal or user and the network in which it operates.
SS0031
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