Anti-Terrorism Awareness

What is it'

To assist with its antiterrorism (AT) awareness efforts, the Army has developed an antiterrorism strategic plan called "Tempering the Weapon." The plan serves as guidance on antiterrorism for activities and functions throughout the Army community. The plan contains goals and objectives that guide improvements in AT protection and contains measures of success so these goals and objectives can be reviewed and revised as required.

What has the Army done'

Lt. Gen. James D. Thurman , the Army deputy chief of staff, G-3/5/7, stated in the antiterrorism strategic plan that awareness and vigilance is our most certain defense. Remaining vigilant in all activities, maintaining situational awareness of your surroundings at all times and taking security measures to reduce vulnerability are a necessary part of our daily lives at home as well in theaters of operation.

To help combat complacency all commanders have been told to emphasize antiterrorism awareness during the month of September. Commanders will ensure all military personnel within their command are aware of the significance of the terrorist threat, reemphasize unit and personal protection measures and the reporting of suspicious activities and review assessed vulnerabilities and random antiterrorism measures. Department of the Army civilians, contractors and family members should also be included in this effort.

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

To facilitate commanders' antiterrorism awareness efforts, The Army will make available an "AT Awareness Tool Kit" on or about August 17, 2009, via the Army antiterrorism enterprise portal on AKO. The tool kit will include the vice chief of staff antiterrorism awareness video, sample commander's antiterrorism awareness briefing, antiterrorism awareness handouts, sample antiterrorism awareness news/information article, antiterrorism awareness informational material (bookmarks, brochures, and folders), and historical terrorist incident vignettes.

Why is this important to the Army'

Americans' concern about terrorism is nearing a 5-year low. According to a June 8-9, 2009, USA Today Gallup poll, Americans' collective level of worry about terrorism, is at 43 percent, the lowest recorded since August 2004. That is down sharply from the all-time high of 59 percent recorded in October 2001. Although fully engaged in overseas contingency operations, the Army is not immune to this complacency concerning the threat of terrorism.

September 11th, designated "Patriot Day," marks the eighth anniversary of the attack on the Pentagon. Although there is no specific intelligence indicating a repeat of the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11th, the threat remains significant both domestically and abroad. A successful terrorist attack on or near that fateful day would be a major symbolic terrorist victory and produce negative political, socio-economic, and psychological results to the United States. By constant vigilance we can prevent that possibility.

Resources:

Requires AKO sign on: <a href="https://www.us.army.mil/suite/page/605757 " target="_blank"> Army Antiterrorism Enterprise Portal on AKO</a>

Related article: <a href=" http://www.army.mil/-news/2009/07/24/24922-army-unveils-new-antiterrorism-strategic-plan/'ref=home-headline-title6" target="_blank"> Army unveils new Antiterrorism Strategic Plan</a>