FORT CARSON, Colo.-August is Antiterrorism Awareness Month, but the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security suggests that being aware of one's surroundings should be an everyday campaign.
During the month, the Army is stressing the recent implementation of IWATCH, a terrorism watch program that is a nationwide modern version of the neighborhood watch program "designed to encourage and enable members of the community to help protect their communities by identifying and reporting suspicious behavior that is known to be associated with terrorist activities," according to All Army Activities Message 110/20101.
At Fort Carson, DPTMS has distributed informational posters to high-traffic areas such as Army and Air Force Exchange Service facilities, the commissary and Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation facilities, said Melvin Wilson, antiterrorism officer, DPTMS.
Antiterrorism awareness videos also are playing on the Fort Carson Commander's Access Channel 10 on post, he said. [Please note: only those on Fort Carson and with BajaBroadband service receive Channel 10. This service is not available off post or through any other cable/satellite service]
The awareness month is not the result of any inaction on the part of community members, Wilson said.
"I wouldn't say people have become complacent, but I think by doing this we will heighten awareness," he said. "I think it is something that should continue beyond the month of August. We should continue to focus on antiterrorism."
Suspicious activity or behavior should be reported to the Provost Marshal Office at 526-2333 or 911 for emergencies.
Fort Carson is prepared to react to reports from the community, according to Capt. Erik Archer, Fort Carson provost marshal.
"There is a wide spectrum of law enforcement agencies/facets that respond to incidents on post," Archer said in an e-mail interview. "From military working dogs to Military Police Investigations to Criminal Investigation Division and conservation law enforcement officer, the law enforcement agencies on Fort Carson are postured to counter issues that arise."
For more information or to view antiterrorism awareness videos and reports, visit the portal at https://www.us.army.mil/suite/page/605757.
Signs of suspicious activity:
People drawing or measuring important buildings
Strangers asking questions about security procedures
Briefcase, suitcase, backpack or package left behind
Vehicles left in no parking zones in front of important buildings
Intruders in secure areas where they do not belong
Persons wearing clothes that are too big and too hot for the weather
Chemical smells or fumes that seem out of the ordinary for the specific location
People asking questions about sensitive information such as building blueprints, security plans or VIP travel schedules without a need to know
People purchasing supplies or equipment that can be used to make bombs or weapons or purchasing uniforms without having the proper credentials
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