August marks Army’s 5th Antiterrorism Awareness Month

by Maj. Gen. Bryan Owens
USARAK commander

8/10/2015 - JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- The protection of our Soldiers, Airmen, civilians and family members is my greatest concern. Antiterrorism is a Department of Defense-directed program.

In order to increase awareness of the AT program, training, and suspicious-activity reporting procedures, Headquarters of the Department of the Army has designated August Antiterrorism Awareness Month.

The AT program is a collective, proactive effort focused on the detection and prevention of terrorist attacks against DoD personnel, their families, facilities and installation mission-critical infrastructure.

I expect a unified effort as we work together to instill antiterrorism awareness and vigilance essential to protecting our communities, operations, and infrastructure throughout the command.

I am directing U.S. Army Alaska to focus efforts on the following themes for this year's antiterrorism awareness month.

This focus will guide commanders and managers on high-payoff tasks which directly support the Army's AT awareness program:
Continued and heightened implementation of Army iWatch and eGuardian threat reporting.

USARAK forces and tenants schedule and execute annual and pre-deployment AT exercises.

Antiterrorism training with a focus on evolving threats such as active shooters and cyber security.

Reinforce to our communities the need to practice positive operations security.

Terrorism remains an enduring, persistent and worldwide threat throughout the Pacific region and our homeland.
Terrorism comes in many forms and can happen at any time.

Remember, a vigilant effort of detection and prevention is our greatest weapon in the fight against terrorism, high-risk behavior and accidents.
I also want to emphasize the importance of maintaining our vigilance and situational awareness to guard against a multitude of ongoing threats.mIf you see something, say something.

People, training, and equipment are the most basic ingredients of mission success. Our people are our most precious resource. I also believe the glue
that bonds people, training and equipment together consists of leadership, teamwork and discipline.

Antiterror Tips

Awareness of your surroundings is the first defense against any threat.

Protect personal information at all times and avoid conversations (in public, email and phone and on social network sites) involving military missions or discussion about long-term separation.

Maintain a proactive mindset about the security environment where you live, work and travel.

Maintain a low profile, especially when overseas.

Be cautious and prepared for the unexpected.

Assess your home for security such as locks and lighting.

Talk to your children about their safety and security such as what to do if they feel threatened and who they can trust.

If you see something suspicious, contact law enforcement, call iWarch Army at 384-0823 or 384-0824, or Air Force Eagle Eyes at 552-2256 or 552-4444.