Soldiers, civilians should know force protection conditions

By Fort Sill Anti-terrorism OfficeAugust 22, 2014

Gateway
Fort Sill will conduct its annual postwide disaster exercise Aug. 27, 2014, Motorists can expect backups at Fort Sill's gates beginning at about 9 a.m. Key gates East and West and Apache Gate will have normal operations, which means random vehicle in... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT SILL, Okla. (Aug. 22, 2014) -- When Fort Sill conducts its postwide anti-terrorist exercise Aug. 27, Soldiers, workers, visitors and families will experience changes in the Force Protection Condition (FPCON) measures and how business happens here.

People may encounter delays entering the installation, experience road detours and curtailed services. The exercise is designed to be realistic, and Fort Sill workers, families and patrons are asked to be patient during the training.

FPCONs are a set of specific security measures implemented by the commander after considering a variety of factors including threat levels, current events, suspicious activities, etc. Army North command dictates FPCONs at Fort Sill.

There are five graduated FPCONs:

(1) FPCON Normal applies when a general global threat of possible terrorist activity exists and warrants a routine security posture. As a minimum, access control will be conducted at all DoD installations and facilities. The minimum FPCON for Army commands is normal.

(2) FPCON Alpha applies when there is an increased general threat of possible terrorist activity against personnel or facilities, and the nature and extent of the threat are unpredictable. Alpha measures may be maintained indefinitely. Fort Sill is currently operating under FPCON Alpha, and its workers and visitors can expect random vehicle checks and increased crime prevention efforts.

(3) FPCON Bravo applies when an increased or more predictable threat of terrorist activity exists. Sustaining Bravo measures for a prolonged period may affect operational capability and military-civil relationships with local authorities.

Post workers and their families and visitors will see closer inspection of vehicles and deliveries, ID checks and a greater presence of guards at the Fort Sill gates.

(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. Prolonged implementation of Charlie measures may create hardship and affect the activities of the unit and its personnel.

Expect rigorous efforts to inspect vehicles and facilities, and Soldiers may be required to participate in special guard duties.

(5) FPCON Delta 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 usually declared as a localized condition. FPCON Delta measures are not intended to be sustained for an extended duration.

Service members, workers, visitors and families can expect only mission essential personnel entering the facility, and 100 percent vehicle inspections. Additional security measures may delay and interrupt normal routines.