What is OPTASK VI?

Operational Task Visual Information (VI) is a no-fail mission designed to capture and document unsafe, unprofessional or nefarious activities at sea, on land, and in the air. Unsafe and unprofessional interactions by foreign militaries (excluding allies and partners) against our U.S. assets demand that we win the battle of the narrative. In order to counter propaganda and disinformation, video and still photos must show facts and context of the encounter, be cleared for public release, and disseminated to the Maritime Operations Center within 40 minutes, or sooner depending on the area of operations.

OPTASK VI is not SNOOPIE. The primary reason for VI is to visually document an incident for potential public release. OPTASK VI should not be confused with Ship's Nautical or Otherwise Photographic Interpretation and Examination (SNOOPIE), in which the goal is to collect intelligence. OPTASK VI is not an intelligence-gathering mission. VI requires proper context to tell a story. In order to provide newsworthy, professional-quality products, units must capture events using a wide field of view and imaging of broader activity. However, VI is an all-hands evolution. This mission is not limited to Mass Communication Specialists or Intelligence Specialists. Any Sailor of any rating can be tasked as part of the Visual Information Personnel (VIPER) team. Always remember when shooting VI STAY WIDE.

What are unsafe & unprofessional interactions?

At the unit level, it is the CO’s responsibility to determine what is unsafe or unprofessional.

Unsafe Interactions

The interaction is unsafe when the action has the potential to result in damage to the reporting unit's equipment or cause injury to personnel.

Unprofessional Interactions

The actions are inconsistent with international norms and standards.