FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. — This August marks the 15th observance of Army Antiterrorism Awareness Month, when Army leaders work to instill heightened awareness and vigilance across the force to protect Army critical resources from acts of terrorism.
The fact that the Army chooses a month to highlight the program, though, shouldn’t be seen as an indicator that individuals shouldn’t pay attention each day.
There is a wide spectrum of threats to the Fort Leonard Wood community, including everything from weather and criminal activity to disgruntled employees and potential terrorist targeting. As risks and vulnerabilities are identified, mitigation measures are developed and emplaced. These plans are exercised routinely and monitored for effectiveness and ultimately result in a very comprehensive plan that lays a solid foundation for a safe community and an acceptable level of risk.
Throughout the month, there will be a series of articles highlighting key points for awareness and measures for increasing awareness. A key element worth highlighting is the importance of community involvement, as third parties reporting suspect behaviors or activities sometimes make the difference in early intervention of potential acts of terrorism. If something is out of place or doesn’t look right, report it, and let the professionals take it from there.
Activities to report include:
- people drawing or measuring important buildings;
- strangers asking questions about security forces or procedures;
- a briefcase, suitcase, backpack or package left behind;
- cars or trucks left in No Parking zones in front of important buildings;
- intruders found in secure areas;
- a person wearing clothes that are too big and bulky and/or too hot for the weather;
- chemical smells or fumes that worry you;
- questions about sensitive information, such as building blueprints, security plans or senior leader travel schedules without a right or need to know; and
- purchasing supplies or equipment that can be used to make bombs or weapons, or purchasing uniforms without having the proper credentials.
How to make a report
Modeled after the Los Angeles Police Department’s iWATCH program, iWATCH Army encourages and empowers the Army community to identify and report suspicious behavior potentially associated with terrorist activity. For more information on the program — or to make a report — call 573.596.6141, or visit the Fort Leonard Wood iWATCH website.
Social Sharing