HONOLULU -- The year-round mission of the Tripler Army Medical Center Provost Marshal Office's is to provide physical and personnel security for the hospital.
This includes all law enforcement activity and protection against terrorist activity.
August marks the Army's sixth observance of Antiterrorism Awareness Month, which keeps the PMO busy with increased education and awareness campaigns about antiterrorism throughout the hospital.
What is antiterrorism?
Antiterrorism is the defensive measures used to reduce the vulnerability of individuals, information and facilities to terrorist acts.
Several initiatives are in place to support Antiterrorism Awareness Month. Easels placed at the mountainside and oceanside entrances engage staff and visitors when they enter the hospital; banners and posters are also prominently displayed throughout the hospital and run on the marquee at the front entrance of the hospital.
"Our mission is important for preventing and reducing criminal activity," said James A. Ingebredtsen, deputy provost marshal. "This is only accomplished through education of the TAMC staff, representing the eyes and ears, in seeing and reporting suspicious activities."
A new training program, Threat Awareness Reporting Program, or TARP, was added to the training calendar and messages about reporting suspicious activities have been issued weekly.
Recent threats throughout the United States and the world demonstrate the need for increased awareness, and for everyone to understand their role in stopping terrorist acts.
There are five categories of force protection (FP) conditions that the military uses as its standard for identification and response to terrorist threats. Those levels range from FP normal to FP Delta. When there is a possible or known threat, the FP condition is elevated to add additional security measures.
"Currently, TAMC is operating at FP Alpha," said Ingebredtsen. "Identification cards are checked at the gate, and random vehicle searches are conducted to deter terrorist activity."
During August -- and throughout the year -- leaders, Soldiers and civilians, at all levels, are encouraged to report suspicious activities. Reporting suspicious activity is imperative against combating terrorism.
If you see something suspicious, report it!
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