Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall community members are being reminded that if they see suspicious activity, they should say something.
Each August, the Army observes Antiterrorism Awareness Month in an effort to educate service members, personnel and the community at large about what they can do to help prevent an attack.
Representatives from the Joint Force Headquarters-National Capital Region and the U.S. Army Military District of Washington Antiterrorism and Operational Security Branch, the JBM-HH Directorate of Plans, Training Mobilization and Security office and Henderson Hall's operations and training section put on a display in the Fort Myer Exchange Aug. 19 to talk to passersby about the community approach to antiterrorism awareness.
The display included information about individual protective measures, indicators of terrorist behavior and how to cope with an active shooter situation, as well as countering insider threats and much more.
"Overall, individual protective measures - awareness, education and just trying to get people to report suspicious activity - are the most important things," said Marvin Solomon, JFHQ-NCR/MDW's antiterrorism branch chief.
The display also included simulated examples of improvised explosive devices that have been used in past terrorist attacks, including pressure cooker and pipe bombs, so community members would have a better idea of what these weapons look like.
Promoting awareness and vigilance, along with educating community members on how to report suspicious activity is paramount in antiterrorism efforts, said Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Operations Specialist Willie Gresham III.
"We're just trying to get the word out there and make people aware that every little thing counts," he said. "Something that you see that you may think is small could set a pattern and turn into something big."
For example, if you notice somebody taking photos of one of the joint base's gates, Gresham said, that could be a security risk.
If community members see something strange or out of the ordinary, all it takes is a phone call or a simple conversation.
"The biggest thing is reporting," Gresham said. "If you see something unusual, report it."
Community members can report suspicious behavior to the local authorities, their commanders, military police, the Directorate of Emergency Services and DPTMS, Gresham said.
"As long as it gets reported, it will get looked into," he said.
According to MDW, an antiterrorism officer basic course was held at Fort Belvoir earlier this month, preparing antiterrorism officers with the skills and knowledge they need to educate the community. Eighty participants completed the course.
The Army iWatch program provides the community with an online, anonymous outlet to report suspicious activity.
For more information about iWatch, visit http://www.myarmyonesource.com and select the iWATCH Army/Antiterrorism logo on the website. To file a report, go to https://iwatcharmy.org/index.html.
For threat information resources, visit the iSALUTE Website at www.usarmy.mil/suite/page/633775.
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