FORT WAINWRIGHT, Alaska - August is Antiterrorism Awareness Month and the Army community is reminded that anyone and everyone has the power to stop unnecessary acts of violence. The iWATCH program was developed to focus and encourage Army-wide community awareness and outreach efforts to address important topics related to protecting communities from terrorist acts.
Since September 11, 2001, more than 30 terrorist plots against the United States have been thwarted by the vigilance of U.S. law enforcement and intelligence communities, according to a report on www.heritage.org. At least two of the attempts were foiled by the efforts of ordinary citizens being on guard.
The iWATCH program focuses specifically on Family awareness and includes posters and pocket cards depicting indicators of potential terrorist activity and how to report suspicious behavior. "Antiterrorism and security professionals keep the community safe by putting together pieces of a puzzle, but it is the eyes and ears of the community that provide those pieces," said
Dan Gilson, Fort Wainwright garrison antiterrorism officer. "Situational awareness is everybody's responsibility," Gilson said.
There are program materials available for Family readiness groups and military Family members to reinforce personal safety, security and prevention of terrorists acts. Training and education resources include personal briefings on individual awareness, as well as videos and public service announcements highlighting antiterrorism and security.
For more information on Antiterrorism Awareness Month or the iWATCH program, call the garrison Force Protection Office at 353-6095 or visit Army OneSource at www.myarmyonesource.com.
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