Antiterrorism Awareness Month and iWATCH ARMY Implementation

By for STAND-TO!July 29, 2010

Antiterrorism Awareness Month and iWATCH ARMY Implementation

What is it'

The Army's antiterrorism (AT) program protects personnel, information, property, and facilities in all locations and situations against terrorism. To prepare for long-term AT success we must embed AT awareness, training, leader development, and education across the force. That level of awareness and vigilance is our most certain defense against terrorist attack.

Why is it important to the Army'

When aware of the indicators of terrorist activity and empowered to help protect our communities against terrorism, the entire Army-community acts as "sensors" and becomes an extension of our overall protection. The information reported by members of the Army community may reveal a piece of a puzzle which leads authorities to thwart a terrorist plot.

What is the Army doing'

Two of the Army's most significant AT initiatives for 2010 include an AT Awareness Month in August 2010 and implementation of <a href="http://www.army.mil/standto/archive/2010/05/10/" target="_blank">iWATCH ARMY</a> effective Aug. 1, 2010. The purpose of AT Awareness Month is to instill Army-wide heightened awareness and vigilance to prevent and protect Army critical resources from acts of terrorism.

iWATCH ARMY is a nation-wide modern version of the neighborhood watch program focused on the threat of terrorist activity. iWATCH ARMY is designed to heighten public awareness to the indicators of terrorist activity and encourage reporting of suspicious behavior or activity to Military Police or local law enforcement agencies for investigation.

In support of these initiatives, the Department of the Army's Office of the Provost Marshal General (OPMG) developed products and tools to support the field. These products are available on the OPMG Army Antiterrorism Enterprise Portal (ATEP) on AKO Web site and select products were distributed down to the installation, stand-alone facility, and unit levels.

What continued efforts does the Army have planned for the future'

The OPMG (AT Branch) will establish an AT information booth in the Pentagon from Aug. 2-4, 2010, as part of AT Awareness Month. Other efforts include:

Aca,!Ac Distribution of additional iWATCH ARMY awareness products

Aca,!Ac Production of a new iWATCH ARMY public service announcement

Aca,!Ac Creation of a new iWATCH ARMY website

Aca,!Ac Publication of an Antiterrorism Field Manual (FM 3-07.2)

Aca,!Ac Implementation of a revised terrorist threat reporting system -- "eGuardian"

Aca,!Ac Publication of the Unit Antiterrorism Officer Handbook

Resources:

Requires site registration <a href="https://www.us.army.mil/suite/page/605757" target="_blank"> OPMG Army ATEP Web site</a>

<a href=" http://www.army.mil/standto/archive/2009/08/21/" target="_blank"> STAND-TO! edition; Aug 21, 2009: Anti-Terrorism Awareness</a>

<a href=" http://www.army.mil/standto/archive/2010/05/10/" target="_blank"> STAND-TO! edition; May 10, 2010: iWATCH ARMY </a>

Related articles: <a href="http://www.army.mil/-news/2010/07/19/42479-be-on-lookout-with-iwatch/" target="_blank"> Be on lookout with iWATCH </a>

<a href=" http://www.army.mil/-news/2010/07/15/42326-iwatch-promotes-community-awareness/" target="_blank"> iWatch promotes community awareness</a>