FORT SILL, Okla. -- A tweet last month may have sparked recently radicalized Islamic State, ISIL, members to take action.
Based on a law enforcement bulletin citing a jihadist tweet, ISIL has called on lone offenders in the United States to use the "yellow pages," social media sites like Facebook, Linkedin, and Twitter to find the addresses of service members, "show up and slaughter them."
Robert Daul, Fort Sill anti-terrorism officer, said because of the online messages the Army is raising anti-terrorism awareness.
"We don't want to scare people so they lock themselves in their house. We want to make them aware of their surroundings."
Daul said Soldiers, civilians and family members should call iWatch, 580-558-0000, to report suspicious activities. These reports will go to the proper authorities and can defeat a possible terrorist threat.
"A Soldier in Oklahoma City, his wife is of Arabic decent. She called her husband and said 'Someone has been approaching me about trying to join ISIL through social media.' He did the right thing. He told somebody," said Daul.
He suggested each member of the Fort Sill community be charged with paying attention to the people and activity around them. As a unified force of Soldiers, Marines, family members and civilians each set of eyes and quick reporting can make it more difficult for terrorist activity to occur.
"When you talk about terrorism, the definition of terror is if I can kill one I will scare 10,000," Daul said.
He said currently the nation is spending hundreds of man hours trying to figure out terrorists' next move and therefore it's tying up resources. That's where the average citizen becomes vital to the process.
"I sit in an office all day, I'm not out there looking for a bad guy. The pulse is the people on the ground. Awareness is our most certain defense against an act of terrorism."
If you see something, say something
Below are examples of suspicious activity that should be reported through iWatch:
Unusual interest in sensitive information about security measures, personnel, entry points, peak days/hours of operation, and access controls such as alarms or locks.
Engaging in overtly suspicious actions to provoke and observe responses by public safety personnel.
Discreet use of cameras or video recorders, sketching, or note-taking consistent with surveillance.
Observation of, or questions about facility air conditioning, heating, and ventilation systems.
Repeated visits by the same subjects, including attempts to disguise appearance from visit to visit.
Attempted or unauthorized access to rooftops or other sensitive areas.
Observation of or unusual questions about security measures, such as staffing, barriers, restricted areas, cameras, and intrusion detection systems.
Multiple false alarms or fictitious emergency calls to the same locations or similar venues.
Unusual interest in speaking with building maintenance personnel.
Observation of security reaction drills or procedures.
Attention to or avoidance of surveillance cameras.
Garments not appropriate for weather/seasons.
"You can call and leave a message and it gets to the right people. If you leave your name and number, they can call back to verify some information. If you want to be anonymous, you can be anonymous," said Daul.
There are also iWatch links on the intranet and Fort Sill website where a concern can be submitted.
"The Lawton-Fort Sill community remains a safe place for our Soldiers, Marines, civilians and their families. There is no specific threat to Fort Sill. Even so, it is important that we remain vigilant," said Daul.
He said if the suspicious activity happens off-post to call the nearest law enforcement or FBI office and inform your chain of command.
Targeting
Army Command North has released a notice stating if a Soldier is traveling, to travel according to regulations. If a uniform isn't required, wear civilian clothes.
"In this time where they've come out and said data mine these guys, find them as a target, is that an appropriate thing? We're not telling you not to wear a uniform off-post; we're just telling you to have situational awareness," said Daul.
Although threats have happened away from Fort Sill, social media brings the messaging to every person's smartphone or computer.
"A Soldier was approached in Mississippi. A guy contacted him and was trying to get him into a debate about ISIL and claimed to be an active ISIL member. The Soldier said 'I don't want to get involved in it' and cut the contact short. The guy said well 'I'll see you in New York,'" said Daul.
Daul said the ISIL member could've figured out where the Soldier was headed based on information he put out through social media.
He suggests strong privacy settings online and always avoid posting home, work address and phone numbers; and any government or military affiliation.
While there is no direct threat right now, ISIL is asking members to surveil police officers and service members. Daul said a part of combating that threat is to change obvious routines.
"People are creatures of habit. When you come to work every day you probably get in your car and go the same way: turn left, turn right, get on Rogers Lane, go through Sheridan Gate; every day and you probably do that within a five to ten minute window, every day."
He said changing routes will help make the individual less predictable and therefore less of a target.
"Don't be the sheep, be the tiger. There are plenty of sheep to be had, don't be one. Know what you're doing."
iWatch: 580-558-0000
Fort Sill Military Police: 580-442-2102/2103
Lawton Crime Stoppers: 580-355-4636
Call 911 for all emergencies.
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