ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, MD - August is Antiterrorism Awareness Month, with the 2024 theme, "Sustaining Community Awareness and Vigilance." The month marks the time to confront the persistent threat of terrorism in the interconnected world. While leaders inside and outside the APG community continue the fight against terrorism, all soldiers, civilians, and contractors play a crucial role in safeguarding our communities through a shared sense of vigilance and preparedness.

One of Team APG’s newest members, Antiterrorism Officer Sara Mastel, says, the “Education, support and safety of personnel working and living on APG,” is her top goal.

Mastel has been an antiterrorism officer for about five years. She was an antiterrorism officer in the Army before retiring out of Fort Eustis, Virgina. Mastel lays out how all of us can help continue the fight against terrorism.

Understanding the Threat

Terrorism take form in large-scale attacks to lone-wolf incidents, targeting public spaces, transportation systems, and everyday environments. Recognizing the signs of suspicious activity and knowing how to respond is pivotal in preventing or mitigating attacks.

Every individual action, no matter how small, contributes to our collective security.

Community Vigilance

A vigilant community is a strong defense against terrorism. Vigilance extends to the digital world, where radicalization and recruitment occur. By recognizing signs of online radicalization such as changes in behavior or social media activity, all of us can help prevent individuals from being drawn into extremist ideologies.

Physical and digital surveillance also plays a crucial role in antiterrorism efforts. APG community members can support these efforts by being observant and reporting suspicious activities through monitoring public spaces and transportation systems and tracking online activities and communications.

Workplace Vigilance

Operational Security (OPSEC) is essential in protecting sensitive information that could be exploited by terrorists. Practicing OPSEC is a group effort and involves being mindful of what is shared online and in conversations, especially information related to critical infrastructure or personal details that could be used to compromise security.

Insider threats are another serious concern. Individuals with access to sensitive information or critical systems can pose significant risks if they become radicalized or act maliciously. Awareness and vigilance in identifying unusual behavior or activities among colleagues can help mitigate these threats.

Country briefs provide vital information about the security landscape of different regions, helping individuals and organizations understand specific threats and adjust their security measures accordingly. Staying informed through country briefs ensures individual awareness of potential risks when traveling or conducting business abroad, enhancing the ability to stay safe and secure.

Antiterrorism awareness is also about building resilience. Preparedness and the ability to respond calmly in crises are crucial. Community training programs, such as active shooter drills or first aid workshops, empower us to act swiftly and effectively during emergencies.

How to Stay Vigilant

Be Observant: Pay attention to your surroundings, both physical and online. Look for unusual behavior or content promoting violence or extremism.

Stay Informed: Keep updated on local and global news to understand current threats. Governments and law enforcement agencies often provide resources and alerts.

Utilize Country Briefs: Use country briefs to stay informed about specific regional threats and adjust your security measures accordingly.

Report Suspicious Activity: Trust your instincts and report any suspicious behavior or online content promoting extremism to local law enforcement. Provide detailed information without direct confrontation.

Prepare and Train: Participate in community safety drills and training sessions. Know evacuation routes, emergency contacts, and basic first aid.

Promote Unity: Foster a sense of unity within your community. Strong social bonds can deter radicalization and promote a culture of tolerance.

Practice OPSEC: Be mindful of what you share online and in conversations to protect sensitive information.

Watch for Insider Threats: Stay alert to unusual behavior among colleagues that could indicate a security risk.

Support Surveillance Efforts: Be aware of and support surveillance measures in your community, such as security cameras and online monitoring.

Collaboration between citizens, law enforcement, and government agencies is essential in preventing and responding to terrorism and online extremism. Together, we can build resilient communities capable of withstanding and recovering from any threat.