Force Protection, Anti-Terrorism measures critical to ORI success Published March 8, 2012 By Ron Hoover 355th Fighter Wing Installation Antiterrorism/Force Protection Officer DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- Everyone has heard it, "Force Protection is everyone's business and every Airman is a sensor". That statement is indeed fact; it is imperative that all personnel are aware and participate in the Antiterrorism/Force Protection Program (AT/FP) that helps safeguard the personnel and resources at Davis-Monthan AFB. Davis-Monthan has an exceptionally strong AT/FP program . Due to continued Senior Commander emphasis and base buy-in, the installation has won Best AT/FP Installation at the MAJCOM/AF level on numerous occasions and most recently was selected as the Air Forces Best AT/FP Program Manager of the Year and DoD finalist. The installation will be participating in a HHQ Operational Readiness Inspection and one of many items to be inspected is Force Protection. Over the last year and a half, the base has been implementing AT/FP processes, as well as our day to day real world threat mitigation actions. We are confident in mission assurance . A few helpful tips to remember for the exercise are to be proactive, know the threat information, FPCON status, duress word (if applicable), and your specific facility standoff requirements. Challenge anyone that you don't recognize or isn't authorized in controlled or restricted areas and report suspicious personnel and activity to Security Forces, AF OSI or AT/FP immediately. This isn't just SOP's for the exercise but should be ingrained in our day-to-day activities. Additionally, below are some basic awareness issues that need to be reviewed. Force Protection Conditions, also known as FPCONS, are proactive measures, implemented locally or directed by higher headquarters, designed and introduced to help thwart or minimize a terrorist attack. While there are many measures associated with each FPCON, they generally become more progressive as the FPCON increases. There are five different threat conditions that may be in effect at any military installation based upon the local or global situation. (1) FPCON NORMAL. Applies when a general global threat of possible terrorist activity exists and warrants a routine security posture. (2) FPCON ALPHA. Applies when there is an increased general threat of possible terrorist activity against personnel and facilities, the nature and extent of which are unpredictable. Implementation may be for an indefinite period of time. (3) FPCON BRAVO. Applies when an increased or more predictable threat of terrorist activity exists. Implementation may be for an indefinite period of time. (4) FPCON CHARLIE. Applies when an incident occurs or intelligence is received indicating some form of terrorist action or targeting against personnel or facilities is likely. Implementation of this measure for more than a short period may create hardship and affects the activities of the unit and its personnel. (5) FPCON DELTA. Implementation applies in the immediate area where a terrorist attack has occurred or when intelligence has been received that terrorist action against a specific location or person is imminent. This FPCON is declared as a localized warning. Implementation of Delta measures are not intended to be sustained for and extended duration. Some measures are more visible than others. One-hundred percent identification checks at the base gates, increased security forces patrols of certain facilities and vehicle searches at installation entry points are a few measures affecting the population at large. While these initiatives may seem inconvenient, they are integral to the protection of the base and mission. TERRORIST ATTACK INDICATORS precede a terrorist attack and help installation officials to identify attack preparations or surveillance. Some examples of surveillance, explosive, weapon and WMD indicators are listed below: · Personnel observed near the installation using or carrying video/camera/observation equipment · Personnel observed with installation maps or facility photos or diagrams with facilities highlighted or notes regarding infrastructure or listing of installation personnel · Personnel possessing/observed using night vision devices near the installation perimeter or local area · Personnel observed parking, standing, or loitering in the same area over a multiple day period with no apparent reasonable explanation · A noted pattern or series of false alarms requiring law enforcement and or emergency services response · Theft of military identification cards or government license plates off-post. Non military persons in possession of military ID cards · Non-military persons stopped with military style weapons and clothing/equipment · Reports of military personnel being asked questions off-post pertaining to the installation · Recent damage to a military installation perimeter fence or gate such as significant holes or cuts · Computer hackers attempting to access sites with personal information, maps, or other targeting examples · Explosive thefts or sales of large amounts of smokeless powder, blasting caps, or high velocity explosives · Large amounts of high-nitrate fertilizer sales to non-agricultural purchasers or abnormally large amounts to agricultural purchasers · Large theft/sales or combinations of ingredients for explosives (fuel oil, nitrates, etc) beyond normal · Theft/sales of containers (propane bottles, etc) or vectors (trucks, cargo vans, etc) in combination with other indicators · Reports of explosions (potential pre-testing) · Seizures of improvised explosive devices or materials · Theft/ unusual sales of large numbers of semi-automatic weapons · Theft/ unusual sales of ammunition capable of being used in military weapons · Reports of automatic weapons firing · Seizures of modified weapons or equipment used to modify weapons (silencers, etc) · Theft/sales/reported seizure of night vision equipment in combination with other indicators · Theft/sales/reported seizure of body armor in combination with other indicators · Theft/loss/recovery of large amounts of cash by groups advocating violence against government/civilian sector targets (applies to WMD as well) · Paramilitary groups carrying out training scenarios and groups advocating violence · Break-ins/tampering at water treatment or food processing/warehouse facilities · Solicitation for sales of or theft of live agents/toxins/diseases from medical supply companies or testing/experiment facilities · Persons stopped or arrested with unexplained lethal amounts of agents/toxins/diseases/explosives · Multiple cases of unexplained human or animal deaths · Sales (to non agricultural users) or thefts of agricultural sprayers or crop dusting aircraft, foggers, river craft (if applicable), or other dispensing systems · Inappropriate inquiries regarding explosives or explosive construction of personnel by unidentified persons · Inappropriate inquiries regarding local chemical/biological/nuclear sales/storage/transportation points · Inappropriate inquiries regarding heating and ventilation systems for buildings/facilities by persons not associated with service agencies It is paramount that everyone participate in the AT/FP program and report suspicious activity. Any questions regarding AT/FP issues, contact your designated unit security manager/AT monitor or Mr. Ron Hoover, Installation Antiterrorism/Force Protection Officer at 228-0027.