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

A primary responsibility of a Facility Security Officer (FSO) is security education, training, and awareness. This aspect is crucial because it ensures that all personnel who have access to classified information or sensitive materials understand the security policies, procedures, and protocols necessary to protect that information. Through effective training and awareness programs, the FSO promotes a culture of security within the facility, helping to prevent security breaches and ensuring compliance with applicable regulations and standards.

By educating employees on security practices, the FSO enables them to recognize threats, understand their roles in maintaining security, and be accountable for safeguarding sensitive information. This responsibility is directly linked to the overarching goal of protecting national security interests and ensuring that all personnel are equipped with the knowledge to contribute to the facility's security posture. Other responsibilities, such as budget management, grant writing, or human resource management, while important in their own right, do not directly pertain to the core functions of a Facility Security Officer focused on maintaining security protocols and managing the protection of sensitive information.