ANNISTON ARMY DEPOT, Ala. -- During the Cold War (1945-1991), Americans were very aware of the intelligence threat posed by the Soviet Union and its proxies.
During this time, we saw the theft of U.S. atomic secrets, infiltration of various government agencies by agents working for the KGB and wide spread collection efforts across all aspects of American life in the continental United States.
Soviet intelligence efforts were likewise robust in many areas outside the U.S.
When the Soviet Union collapsed, the world breathed a sigh of relief. The threat had been eliminated and we could finally dial back the Cold War sense of hyper vigilance and awareness.
Unfortunately, with the lack of a large, concrete intelligence threat to the U.S. homeland, many have let their guard down, believing the threat had diminished.
This could not be further from the truth!
Some studies show the foreign intelligence threat to the U.S. is now greater than it has ever been, from a vast array of methods and adversaries. The challenge has never been greater.
Here at Anniston Army Depot, we are involved in many activities vital to the national defense. We are vulnerable to several collection means -- from human intelligence to communications and electronic intelligence.
Attempted, suspected or suspicious collection efforts must be reported through official channels to Army Counter-Intelligence.
WHAT SHOULD BE REPORTED?
- Attempts by anyone to acquire access to classified or unclassified Department of Defense information concerning facilities, activities, personnel or technology by use of questioning, bribery, blackmail, observation or correspondence. The collection attempt can be face to face, via email or social media.
- Any person suspected of working for or supporting a foreign intelligence or terrorist organization.
- Any willful leak or compromise of classified information.
- Contact with foreign nationals who have an undue interest or knowledge in a DOD employee's job, mission, access or technology that is beyond friendly conservation.
- Incidents that involve a DOD employee or their family where a foreign government's security services take an undue interest in their duties or access to classified information while traveling in that country.
- Any gifts from a foreign national which place the DOD employee under a sense of obligation.
- Removal of classified information from the workplace or transmission of classified information through an unauthorized means.
- Any attempt or discussion is disrupting military activities or missions.
- Any DOD employee advocating the overthrow of the US government.
- Known or suspected intrusions into automated data processing systems by a foreign entity.
- Pressure brought on family members residing in a foreign country.
- Defection attempts or threats by DOD employees.
For the full list, please refer to AR 381-12, paragraph 3-1.
HAVE WE HAD ANY INCIDENTS?
Surveillance of DOD facilities by foreign nationals on behalf of a foreign intelligence service is a concern throughout the U.S. military.
Recently, several Chinese nationals were arrested for the illegal surveillance and photography of military facilities in Key West, Fla.
Here at ANAD, suspected surveillance should likewise be reported, as it was on Jan. 13. That day, a vehicle stopped inside the ANAD fence line at one of the checkpoints and the driver was observed using a cell phone. They drove off after being spotted.
If you see suspicious activity or someone using a cell phone or other camera to obtain footage or photographs of the installation, contact DES at Ext. 6222.
When you call, if possible provide:
- Make, model and tag of vehicle
- Description of the individual
- Name, date of birth, nationality of the individual
- Time and date of the incident
- Description of activities
- A photograph of the vehicle, person and their IDs
Remember, a little bit of accurate information is better than a lot of inaccurate information.
Reporting of the above items and those in AR 381-12 is not an option.
These items must be reported. If not, suspicion may arise with the individual who declines to report the incident.
Suspicious incidents can also be reported to the Intelligence and Security Management Office:
- Ext. 7310
- Usarmy.anad.tacom.list.smo-users@mail.mil
- U.S. Army Counter-intelligence at 800-CALL-SPY.
The iSalute tab on the depot's home page may also be used to report.
As we must be aware of potential terrorist threats, we must also be aware of intelligence threats, which have caused grave damage to the U.S. in the past.
As we say, SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING. In this case, silence is not an option for DOD employees.
More information from the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency can be found at: www.cdse.edu/documents/cdse/foreign-intelligence-entity-targeting-recruitment-methodology.pdf.
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