AT specialists share tips to safeguard Airmen, families against emergent threats

  • Published
  • By Mike Mendoza
  • 436th Airlift Wing Anti-terrorism advisor
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  The threat of terrorism is more real now more than ever. June 25 marked the 10th anniversary of the Khobar Towers bombing, which killed 19 Air Force Airmen and injured hundreds more. 

This attack was the watershed event that established DoD and Air Force anti-terrorism standards and policies. The subsequent terrorist attacks on the U.S. embassies in Africa, the USS Cole and 2001 World Trade Center and Pentagon attacks propelled our Nation to engage in the Global War on Terror. 

However, some citizens are oblivious to threats or hazards where they live and sometimes act as if the War on Terror is isolated to Iraq and Afghanistan. 

Terrorism hits home
The devastating acts of domestic terrorism committed by Timothy McVeigh, who killed hundreds in the Oklahoma City bombing; Ted Kaczynski, who is nicknamed the “Unabomber” for his deadly attacks; and Eric Rudolph, who planned the Olympic Park bombing, remind us of threats in our homeland. 

We are now facing the advent of citizens who support terrorist ideologies, referred to as “Homegrown” terrorists. Within the past 60 days, anti-terrorism specialists and police have foiled terrorist plots in Toronto, Canada and Miami, Fla. It’s not limited to just the United States. In England, homegrown terrorists carried out the London subway bombing in July 2005, also sympathizing with Al Qaeda efforts. 

The DoD has citizens stationed all over the world, and you can easily land in the path of terrorist activity. Our ability to detect, disrupt, respond and recover from a terrorist incident is crucial to the execution of our DoD mission around the world. 

FP defined
Force Protection is defined as actions taken to prevent or mitigate hostile actions against DoD personnel to include family members, resources, facilities and critical information. Plus, not only does FP impact servicemembers and civilian employees, but also their families, contract employees and visitors, while on and off the installation. Whether reporting suspicious activity, guarding unit assets or augmenting base security forces – every Airman is responsible for FP! 

Everyone can fight terrorism: what can you do? 

Many Americans, as well as terrorism analysts believe the United States will endure another major terrorist attack in the next five years. History has shown that terrorists prefer to attack soft, weak and unprotected targets. For that reason, we cannot afford to let our guard down, and we must be prepared. 

Following a few FP tips will help safeguard you and your family from terrorists:
• Every Airman is a sensor. Be aware of your surroundings on and off duty, while in-transit or on leave. 

• Don’t become a target. Blend in and wear similar clothing to that worn in the country you are visiting. Additionally, wear conservative clothing without any logos or markings that inform people you are an American and a foreigner in their country. 

• Make it difficult for the enemy to attack you by becoming a hard target. Increase your situational awareness by understanding the threat in that area by reading the local newspaper and watching the news. Ask around to identify the dangerous locations in that area and stay away from them. 

• Protect yourself. When in overseas locations or in known dangerous sections of that area, employ effective personal protective measures, like vary your normal routine and inspect your vehicle when parked outside the base. 

• Always look for a safe haven. Whenever you visit a new location, you should always be on the look out for the nearest police station or heavily populated area to get help if necessary. When you enter a new facility, scan the room for the entrances and exits. Have an escape plan in your mind at all times! 

• If you notice any unusual activity in this area, contact the 436th Security Forces Squadron Law Enforcement Desk at 677-6664, Office of Special Investigations at 677-2110 or the Wing Antiterrorism Office at 677-4926. 

Terrorism is now part of our daily lives – terrorists continue to plot and lie in wait within our homeland and abroad. By recalling a few life-saving tips, you can increase the chances for you, your family and your coworkers to avert a potential terrorist situation and help strengthen our Nation in the process.