Heightened security during G7 demonstrations near Garmisch: What you need to know

By USAG Bavaria Public Affairs press releaseMay 19, 2015

Heightened security during G7 demonstrations near Garmisch: What you need to know
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

GRAFENWOEHR, Germany -- The Group of Seven Summit, to be held in June just 12 miles south of Garmisch is expected to draw large numbers of protestors.

Those traveling to the area in the days leading up to, during or shortly after should expect potential road closures, travel delays and heightened security measures.

The G7 Summit brings together seven heads of state from Germany, the U.S., the U.K., France, Italy, Japan and Canada.

The summit will be held June 7-8 near Klais, Germany, just 20 minutes south of the U.S. Army installation in Garmisch.

If you're in or around Garmisch from June 1-12, here's what you need to know:

• Avoid the demonstrations. If you encounter one, move out of the area without delay. They can spontaneously turn violent even with only a few agitators. Stay away from trouble areas that are identified during the G7 Summit through local media and websites. Do not engage in discussions, arguments or confrontations with anyone exercising their right to free speech and protest.

• Cooperate with German police, military police and security guards. Carry multiple identification documents with you at all times (such as your military identification and passport and SOFA card) and be prepared to show it to police officials in the event of a random security stop. Do not carry a knife, baseball bat, pepper spray, shock device or any other object that could be considered a weapon on you or in your car -- you could be detained and/or apprehended if you do.

• Avoid wearing a military uniform in public view to avoid any confrontations. Avoid unnecessary stops. Avoid exiting your vehicle while in uniform. Avoid wearing your uniform while escorting your children to and from and/or waiting at DoDDS bus stops located off the military installation in Garmisch. Do not wear a uniform while using public transportation or taxi services, or in public hotel areas.

• Avoid displaying military decals or unit affiliations on vehicles. Do not openly display military equipment or field gear inside your vehicle. Do not display NATO School or other base parking permits in your windshield.

• Use plain civilian luggage. Avoid carrying military-looking bags such as duffle bags and assault packs. Ensure luggage tags do not show a rank or military address.

• Keep a low profile. Be inconspicuous. Your dress, conduct and mannerisms should not attract attention and should blend in with those of host nation citizens. Do not wear distinctly military items or typically U.S. items, such as cowboy apparel or American logo T-shirts. Wear clothes that cover up visible U.S. and/or military affiliated tattoos. Avoid speaking loudly in English or in ways that attract attention. Do not openly discuss subjects related to the military or the operations of your organization.

• Practice good OPSEC. Be cautious if approached and asked about your military affiliation. Avoid answering questions about any base security measures, numbers of guards or other security personnel, lodging locations or itineraries of dignitaries or VIP personnel, or other sensitive topics. Report any suspicious questioning to your organization's security officer or the Community Force Protection Office at the phone number listed at the bottom of this document.

• Don't get stuck. Trains will not be running between Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Mittenwald/Innsbruck June 7-8. Bus service will be implemented. Train schedules are available at www.bahn.de.

• Think before you post something on the Internet. Do not post sensitive information on any Internet social media forum such as Facebook. This includes base security measures or the current presence of dignitaries or other VIPs on the base or in the Edelweiss Hotel.

• Know who you are signing into the military installation. Do not sign-in a stranger or someone you just met. Access Control Points will be closely monitored.

• Practice common-sense crime prevention measures at your home. This is especially important if you live in downtown Garmisch-Partenkirchen or in Klais. If your house is near or on an anticipated demonstration path, move your car off the street and park it at a remote location or in a garage. Close driveway gates and your window shutters during demonstrations.

• Be especially mindful of your children's activities and locations during this time. Parents should be aware of any developing security problems related to protestors. Be aware of where you children are and how to contact them should problems arise. Your children should also know how to contact you or the police if they encounter a problem away from home.

• Report suspicious activity. If you notice any suspicious activity near the kaserns, or observe any acts of vandalism or violence, report it by calling the military police immediately at 114 if you are on a military installation. Call the German Police at 110 if you are outside the military installation.

Stay informed. Travel updates, advisories and other G7 Summit information are available on the USAG Bavaria website at www.grafenwoehr.army.mil/G7.

Related Links:

G7 Summit expected to impact Garmisch-Partenkirchen area

Expect travel delays, heightened security during G7 demonstrations near Garmisch

USAG Bavaria website

USAG Bavaria G7 webpage

USAG Bavaria Twitter

USAG Bavaria Facebook