FORT LEE, Va. (July 9, 2015) -- Holiday events and recreational activities during the summer create potential targets for extremists, and it's important to be vigilant to combat those threats.
Recent social media threats by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, the public release of U.S. military members' personal information and extremist attacks overseas indicate extremists are more active and determined than ever. And they always want to attack military targets in America.
While there are no credible indications of any specific plots associated with the upcoming U.S. federal holidays, recent information suggests U.S. military bases and events could be targeted in the near future. ISIL is constantly urging its supporters to target U.S. government employees, mass gatherings and special events -- whether on or off military installations.
Foreign terrorist organizations use social media (especially Twitter) to urge "wanna-be" violent extremists to conduct lone offender attacks with little to no warning, using simple weapons, such as firearms, edged weapons or vehicles. Individual Soldiers and government employees could easily find themselves the intended targets of violent extremists.
The recent attack in Garland, Texas, demonstrates extremists' ability to strike inside the U.S. with little warning. The museum attack in Tunis, Tunisia, shows extremist's willingness to target Soldiers, family members and government employees while traveling overseas. The Tunis attack resulted in a significant number of tourist deaths.
Although indications of extremist violence are minimal, all military personnel, government employees and family members should maintain acute situational awareness and vigilance to prevent or mitigate potential attacks.
Travel. During the summer months, many Soldiers, government employees and their families travel both within the U.S. and overseas. Historically, airports, bus stops, train stations and other gathering places for tourists are frequently targeted by terrorists. Before traveling overseas, review the Department of State's online website to become familiar with the specific threat and security information for the countries you're planning to visit. Also, Soldiers and DA Civilians must complete special overseas antiterrorism training prior to traveling. Finally, make sure someone you trust back home knows the intended itinerary, and the locations you plan to visit.
Social Media Concerns. Terrorists and extremists continually use social media to promote terrorist activities and to attack DOD organizations, individual Soldiers and family members. The U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command, through the Computer Crime Investigative Unit, publishes cyber crime prevention flyers and cyber crime alert notices that are very useful for antiterrorism awareness and family readiness training. Visit www.cid.army.mil to learn about specific cyber crime advisories.
Special Events. Typical terrorists desire to attack special events. They are high-profile targets with the greatest potential for harm. The infrequent and one-time nature of special events may present operational difficulties for a poorly prepared terrorist, however, this may not deter them from attacking.
The publicity gained from a successful attack on a special event may actually entice a terrorist or "lone-wolf" attacker into action. Therefore, be especially vigilant before and during such events.
The Army Antiterrorism Enterprise Portal contains awareness and training resources Soldiers and leaders with common access cards should use to further refine their personal protective measures. Select your "DOD e-mail certificate" for access to ATEP. Also on the link is the new iWATCH Army training for contractors and family members, located under the "AT doctrine and training" link. Visit the portal at https://army.deps.mil/army/sites/pmg/opmg/ops/antiterror/atep/default.aspx.
Army One Source. This website provides antiterrorism awareness materials to family readiness groups and other community leaders who may not have CAC access to ATEP. On the AOS "featured programs, links & tools" section, locate the iWATCH Army logo for access to all products. Check out the new Social Media Guide, Vol 2., "Precautions for the Use of Social Networking Sites."
Visit Army One Source at www.myarmyonesource.com/default.aspx.
U.S. Department of State overseas travel website. This website provides information on any country you plan to visit, including travel alerts and travel warnings, embassy messages, emergency contact information, and facts and figures about every country in the world. The DOS travel site is a good source of information on every aspect of travel to every OCONUS destination.
Visit the site at travel.state.gov/content/travel/english.htm.
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