August is Antiterrorism Awareness Month on JBER

  • Published
  • By David Carroll
  • JBER Antiterrorism Office
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska --  Terrorism remains a threat to our nation, our military forces, and our communities.
Worldwide since 2001, the frequency of terrorists targeting against military personnel and facilities has increased substantially.
 
Although the majority of planned or attempted attacks have been disrupted by law enforcement, too many have been carried out successfully.

Our joint base environment affords us a unique opportunity to observe, learn and share antiterrorism expertise between the agencies represented on JBER.

August is designated as Antiterrorism Awareness Month, when special emphasis is placed on maximizing vigilance and readiness through training, education, and information campaigns so all personnel and resources are properly protected.

Across JBER, commanders at all levels are responsible for ensuring AT programs are established, active and tailored to meet their individual unit requirements.

Additional actions are also required when people travel overseas, when units host special events, or when information suggests a terrorist attack may be more predictable.

Although the ultimate responsibility rests with commanders, it takes the combined efforts of the entire JBER community to truly make any AT program effective.

Regardless of age, background, or experience, everyone can assist in combating terrorism by remaining vigilant of their surroundings and immediately reporting any suspicious people, activity or circumstances.

Some of the more common indicators include people asking security-related questions, lengthy loitering, taking photos or drawing sketches of important buildings or entry points, wearing clothing too big or bulky for the season, packages or bags emitting a strong or unknown chemical odor, and unattended vehicles left in places they do not belong.

Any of these or other indicators should be reported immediately using JBER Arctic Watch - either iWatch at 384-0823 or Eagle Eyes at 552-2256.

Only through involvement, continuous vigilance and timely reporting of suspicious activity can we hope to eliminate future terrorist attacks and maintain the safety, security, and readiness of our joint team.

For more information on the program, specific travel or event planning requirements or AT posters and materials, please contact your unit AT officer directly or the JBER Antiterrorism Office at 384-2399 or 384-2437.