Headquarters DA annually declares the month of August as Antiterrorism Awareness Month.

During this month, Army installations, standalone facilities, and units will focus their efforts to heighten awareness and vigilance to prevent and protect Army communities from acts of terrorism. Units will also conduct increased antiterrorism training, education, and awareness throughout the month of August.

The Army recognizes that installations, standalone facilities, and operational units must be capable of deterring and defending against the full range of threats. The integration of antiterrorism principles with persistent antiterrorism awareness ensures the safety and security of its Soldiers, DA civilians, and family members while also ensuring mission success.

"In light of recent attacks against Army installations by homegrown violent extremists, it is imperative that we remain a step ahead of the threat," said Capt. Caleb Lin, the 8th Theater Sustainment Command Antiterrorism Officer.

"Antiterrorism is the starting point for coordinating defensive measures to maintain the readiness of the force and shape future operations," he said.

The Army's antiterrorism plans and programs provide the defensive element in a broader program to combat terrorism. Effective antiterrorism measures integrate a multitude of security programs which ensure the protection of people, information, infrastructure, installations, facilities, and forces.

As such, antiterrorism training, education and awareness support the entire Army community and are a critical part of our overall protection. Antiterrorism Awareness month reinforces the importance of protecting Army communities against a persistent and determined terrorist threat.

This year's Army Antiterrorism theme will focus efforts on raising AT awareness on:

-Recognizing and reporting suspicious activity, with emphasis on implementation of iWATCH Army and iSALUTE programs.

-Understanding the threat of violent extremism

-Providing the Army community with violent extremism awareness information

-Understanding the operation of Unmanned Aerial Systems and educating the Army community on the rules associated with ownership and use of unmanned aerial systems