NCMS was founded in 1964 by a group of government and industry security classification managers and administrators who recognized the importance of establishing a society, national in scope, to advance the practice of Classification Management as a profession.
Today, the Society has over 4,000 members in the United States and overseas including representatives from NATO countries. Within the U.S., members come from the Department of Energy, Department of Defense, Department of State, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, National Security Agency, General Accounting Office--virtually every Federal agency that deals with classification--and from the civilian contractors who work with these agencies. As the Society has grown over the years, its focus has also expanded. NCMS now provides professional development for its members in the field of classification management, information security, personnel security, computer security, operations security (OPSEC), facility security, and technology security.
In 2009, the 45th Board of Directors redefined the Society's previous purpose and scope into a new vision and mission to better reflect the goals and objectives of the organization, as well as the changing role of the security professional. The new vision and mission statements read as follows:
ARTICLE II - VISION AND MISSION
Section 1 - NCMS Vision
NCMS, through innovation and effective relationships, will provide its membership the tools and core skills that will enable them to meet their most challenging endeavors as contractor and government industrial security professionals.
Section 2 - NCMS Mission
To be recognized throughout industry and the government as the premier organization for the development and implementation of quality training programs in the area of industrial security management and security leadership; to ensure that our members strive for the highest degree of professional excellence; encourage the exchange of ideas and best practices between our members; to participate in national level working groups and committees to affect national security policies; and to help our members achieve the most challenging goals in the area of industrial security.
In 2005, the 41st Board of Directors decided to adopt a new brand for the Society to better reflect the focus of the organization and its members. Therefore, in March 2005, NCMS became NCMS, Inc. -- the Society of Industrial Security Professionals. Although the "NCMS" is no longer spelled out, it was kept to honor the history of the organization and because of name recognition. Thus, "NCMS" honors our history and represents the "old", while the byline, "the Society of Industrial Security Professionals", represents the "new".
