Anti Terrorism Awareness
Lilliana Adames
August is Antiterrorism Awareness Month. Although we should always remain vigilant in light of attacks carried out during the past few years, Antiterrorism Awareness Month should be a time we instill heightened awareness and vigilance to prevent terrorist attacks and protect DLA employees, locations, and operations from acts of terrorism.
Terrorism is an enduring, persistent, worldwide threat to our nation. Antiterrorism is the defense element to our fight against terrorists. We must seek knowledge of the threats and heightened awareness to detect terrorist activities. These actions are critical to sustain vigilance and successfully provide the advanced warning needed to defend against the full range of terrorist tactics.
All DLA employees play an important role in preventing vulnerable individuals from entering the path to radicalization and violence. Education, promotion of awareness, and dialogue are important tools for prevention. Because of rapid changes in online communications, the threat of violent extremism has evolved in recent years. Violent ideologies and propaganda are now more accessible than ever, making it more difficult to identify and stop extremists before they act.
Trust your instincts; if a behavior or activity makes you feel uncomfortable, REPORT IT. Although this is not an all-inclusive list, these are some of the observations to report to local law enforcement or through DLA iWatch:
Awareness is not limited to your workspace or local area; it should be a part of any travel, official or unofficial. If required, ensure you receive a Travel Threat Briefing from your local Antiterrorism Officer. Know the location of the safe havens and carry with you the local emergency telephone numbers. Understand the culture where you are travelling. The State Department posts its current travel warnings on this link:
To gain a better understanding of the challenges of violent extremism, all DLA employees must complete their annual AT Level I training. Remember, you are a key link in helping to prevent violent extremism by:
Dr. David Pittman, director, U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center, and Col. Ivan Beckman, ERDC Commander, stand with Johnny Kisner, command security officer, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mississippi Valley Division (MVD); Maj. Frank DuVerger, Deputy Commander, USACE Vicksburg District (MVK), Warren County Sherriff Martin Pace and Vicksburg Fire Chief Craig Danczyk after signing the Anti-Terrorism Awareness Proclamation. The event was held by ERDC as an expression of unity with MVD and MVK, law enforcement leaders and the Vicksburg and Warren County communities. August is anti-terrorism awareness month in the Department of Defense. (Photo by Jared Eastman, ACE-IT)
Representing Maj. Gen. Toy from MVD was Johnny Kisner, command security officer; Maj. Frank R. DuVerger III, deputy commander of MVK also attended; Sheriff Martin Pace, Warren County, was present, along with Chief Craig Danczyk, Vicksburg Fire Department.
Calling attention to the fact that terrorism can be initiated by domestic as well as foreign aggressors, he said, Especially in view of the tragic domestic terrorism events that took place over the weekend in Dayton, Ohio, and El Paso, Texas, we feel that this event is especially appropriate today.
According to a Government Accounting Office report, since September 11, 2001, there have been 85 acts of terrorism in the U.S. Two hundred twenty-five deaths: bombings, shootings, vehicular homicides, and chemical weapons.
Although antiterrorism awareness should always be a priority, Antiterrorism Awareness month reminds us to renew our commitment to the vigilance required to prevent terrorist attacks and protect our employees, locations, and operations from acts of terror.
Terrorism is a persistent threat to our nation and Antiterrorism Awareness training is the first level of defense. The JS -US007-Level I Antiterrorism Awareness Training course on JKO is consistently one of the highest utilized courses on JKO, receiving over 800k completions a year. The course is sponsored by the Joint Staff in coordination with the Military Services to meet the annual requirement for Level I Antiterrorism Training prescribed by DoDI 2000.16, DoD Antiterrorism (AT) Standards.
Services and Combatant Commands may utilize this course on the JKO LMS for annual training and/or pre-deployment, but it is also available for family members deploying with service members, via stand-alone non-CAC enabled training. The stand-alone version is available on the login page of the JKO LMS.
This type of awareness is vitally important both at home and abroad, and the online course provides links to resources that can be used at any time. Awareness is not limited to your workspace or local area; it should be a part of any travel, official or unofficial. Understand the culture where you are traveling and review current travel warnings.
ACT Security is a specialised training course for front line security operatives. It takes around 75 minutes to complete. The course provides up-to-date counter-terrorism knowledge that will help you prepare for, and respond to, terrorist incidents whilst on duty.
SIA licence-linked qualifications include a section on terror threat awareness. Together, the 2 ACT e-learning courses cover this material. So, you will not need to take that part of the training if you:
U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Lillianna Sanchez, 332nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron response force member, performs a perimeter check July 31, 2021, in an undisclosed location somewhere in Southwest Asia. The 332nd ESFS is tasked with providing force protection, ensuring operational readiness and protecting warfighting resources as well as its personnel. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Cameron Otte)
U.S. Senior Airman Eddith Garza, 332nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron response force member, stands guard Aug. 19, 2021, at an undisclosed location somewhere in Southwest Asia. Security forces maintain 24-hour operations to ensure military personnel and assets are secure. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Cameron Otte) (This photo has been altered for security reasons)
U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jerry Quintanilla, 332nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron noncommissioned officer in charge of Small Unmanned Aerial Systems, launches a RQ-11B Raven SUAS into the air August, 9, 2021, in an undisclosed location somewhere in Southwest Asia. SUAS operators perform flight exercises to enhance their experience in launching and controlling these drones for surveillance purposes. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Cameron Otte)
As their alarms ring, they hop out of bed, suit up and group at Guard Mount. This is where Airmen with the 332nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron form up and stand by awaiting accountability and updates on the daily tasks that need to be completed.
Security forces maintain 24-hour operations to ensure that military personnel and assets are always under vigilant watch. By having our defenders continue to hone their skills through exercises and training, it ensures they are always ready to project our anti-terrorism efforts.
Random Anti-Terrorist Measures (RAMs) will be conducted to present a robust security posture. Randomly inspected vehicles at base gates deter, detect and disrupt terrorist attacks and heighten Anti-Terrorism awareness. You are required to participate in all RAMs, refusing to allow your vehicle to be inspected can result in department and driving privileges revoked.
The recent shooting incident at Ft. Hood, TX, has caused Americans everywhere serious concern about unexpected violence in the workplace and possible domestic terrorism. Domestic Terrorism involves groups or individuals who are based and operate entirely within the United States; or its territories, without foreign direction. Domestic terrorism acts are directed towards the U.S. government or its population. Their motivations spring from issues relating to American political and social concerns. It is not unusual for domestic terrorism groups to attempt to recruit U.S. Service Members. Not all violence in the work place is based on acts of domestic terrorism.
Often an employee can become angry with an organization, organizational policies, or coworkers. Some anger is based on stress, stress related incidents or stressful environments. It is important for anger directed towards the work place to be taken seriously before it escalates into aggression or violence. Those who are likely to commit an act of violence in the work place are likely to express their frustrations. Often serious violence in the workplace should not be a total surprise because the suspect often displays numerous early warning signs. Some warning signs are as follows:
You have heard the request to remain vigilant before. Being vigilant, identifying any early warning signs and reporting indicators of possible aggression may prevent violence in the work place. To report suspicious or criminal activity and remain anonymous, call (228) 871-4888. You can still receive immediate emergency assistance by calling 9-1-1.
Today, the Department of Justice remains committed to using all available resources to fight terrorism. In addition to the primary objectives, the Western District of Kentucky Anti-Terrorism Advisory Council encourages and supports community outreach and education.
Strategic Partnerships: Strategic partnerships are the key for a successful ATAC. The ATAC has endeavored to develop an expansive group of key individuals and organizations for the ultimate purpose of information sharing. This group includes members from Federal, state and local law enforcement, Banking industry, Federal Regulatory Agencies, Rail Industry, Investment industry, Shipping Industry, National Guard, Local prosecutors, Department of State, County Emergency Services, Energy Industry, the United States Air Force, and other entities willing to assist in combating terrorism in the US.
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