Force protection: everyone’s responsibility

  • Published
  • By By Senior Airman Joel Mease
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
Remaining vigilant and alert is not an option for Airmen in today’s Air Force. A terrorist or an upset militant armed with the know-how could damage Air Force property or even worse – kill one of our own.

Howard Thompson, 7th Bomb Wing antiterrorism officer, is charged with setting a defensive security posture for Dyess.

“As an anti-terrorism officer, I act as a liaison between (Air Force Office of Special Investigations), intelligence, security forces, the medical group and civil engineering,” Mr. Thompson said.

To make the anti-terrorism job possible, Mr. Thompson agrees that everyone has a part in keeping Dyess a safe place.

“There are seven signs of terrorism that anyone can spot. Surveillance, elicitation, tests of security, acquiring supplies, suspicious persons out of place, dry run, and deploying assets are all examples of things Airmen need to remain vigilant about,” he said. “If anyone sees these measures, contact 9-1-1, 696-COPS or 696-EYES.”

Remembering distinguishing details of people and a vehicle, such as the license plate number and state, is critical information to help the anti-terrorism officers, he said.

Staying vigilant isn’t just limited to the workplace. Airmen need to remember where they are when they discuss their work. A public place may not be an appropriate place for those discussions, especially in deployed locations, he said.

When deployed or traveling abroad, the anti-terrorism officers hope Airmen remember their training.

“Often times, Americans think they are at home and may not realize a staged attack may be going on,” said Robert Hill, 7th BW anti-terrorism officer. “It’s important to remember when you’re abroad that you are not in your hometown – you need to stay alert at all times.”

If a member does travel abroad, the officers want Airmen to know that the anti-terrorism office is available to give information on the area.

“We’re always available as a resource anyone can go to,” Mr. Hill said. “If we don’t know
the answer, we will find the source that does.”

For more information on anti-terrorism, call 696-2591.