Texas Wing Members,
Due to the recent action taken by the United States against the leader of the Iranian Republican Guard and Quds Force, the possibility of reprisal by the government of Iran is judged to be very high. The Department of Homeland Security has issued a National Terrorism Alert System Bulletin (see https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/ntas/alerts/20_0104_ntas_bulletin.pdf) to provide information and guidance for the general public. The Department of Defense has directed military installations to increase vigilance and reminded service members and their families to be cautious at all times As members of the Total Air Force, we are included in those directives and reminders.
Although the Threat Condition (ThreatCon) Level at military installations remains at Alpha (Possible Terrorist Activity), it may be raised to Bravo (Predictable Terrorist Activity) at any time. Increased ThreatCon Levels may make access to bases that host CAP units and activities more difficult than normal. Commanders of those CAP units should contact their host installation to learn of any access changes and to receive any threat briefings appropriate for our level of access and activity. Contacts such as these will ensure our members know what to expect when entering a base, and also benefit the relationship between CAP and the base by showing that we’re concerned about security and doing the right thing.
It is suspected that Iran has infiltrated sleeper agents into the U. S., and we must be aware that traveling in a military uniform may attract attention from agents and sympathizers of the Iranian cause. Each CAP member should exercise increased vigilance, being observant for suspicious activity especially when in military uniform. We must also exercise good OPSEC, COMSEC, and CYBERSEC practices at all times.
It is unlikely that CAP members and units face any threats, but it is far better to err on the side of caution in this instance.
If you observe what you believe to be suspicious activity, you should report it to local law enforcement immediately then notify the Wing Director of Homeland Security, Maj Ric Walters (281) 384-8437 or cwal...@cap.gov and the Wing Commander, Col Bill Schroeder (c...@txwgcap.org). Do not take any action other than to report any suspicious activity.
For those who would like to increase their knowledge of what constitutes suspicious activity, free training is available online from the Department of Homeland Security’s National Suspicious Activity Reporting Initiative’s website at https://www.dhs.gov/course/nsi-training-emergency-management.
CAP’s motto is Semper Vigilans – “always vigilant.” This is the time to live into our motto.
Major Ric Walters, CAP
Texas Wing Homeland Security Director
