Antiterrorism office thwarts the bad guys

  • Published
  • By Capt. Mike Chillstrom
  • 319th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Every terrorist act is the result of planning and preparation on the terrorists' part, but many times no one notices the warning signs that may have prevented the attack. Worse yet, someone may see the warning signs but not take any action. 

For the 319th Air Refueling Wing Antiterrorism office, keeping the base aware of the threat of terrorism is a job that can't go undone. 

"Antiterrorism and force protection is everyone's responsibility," said Master Sgt. Kelly Hogness of the wing's antiterrorism office. "That can't be emphasized enough." 

In fact, today's Air Force has placed additional emphasis on training spouses and children about antiterrorism. Many people aren't aware that military dependents 14 years of age or older are required to complete Level 1 antiterrorism training if they're traveling on official orders to an OCONUS (outside of the continental United States) location. Personnel who haven't completed the training won't be issued orders. 

Regularly scheduled antiterrorism training plays a critical role in protecting military members and installations. Level 1 antiterrorism training has always been in place for Airmen, but "every member of the team, including the spouse and children, is another layer of security the Air Force needs," Sergeant Hogness said. "It is the dependent who, with proper training, will be able to identify a vehicle parked down the street with two individuals taking pictures as suspicious behavior and contact the authorities." 

Another way the base community gets involved in terror prevention is the Eagle Eyes program. Eagle Eyes - essentially an Air Force neighborhood watch program - is the eyes and ears for base law enforcement. At Grand Forks, call 747-EYES (3937) to report strange behaviors or anything that seems out of place. 

"Use Eagle Eyes to report suspicious activities to the Air Force Office of Special Investigations," Sergeant Hogness said. "OSI will take that information and do what they do best: investigate." 

A simple phone call may be all that's needed to stop a tragedy before it happens. 

"The Fort Dix story [May 8, 2007] is a great example of the Eagle Eyes program working," Sergeant Hogness said. "The store clerks reported suspicious contents of a CD they were duplicating to the FBI, who began an investigation and eventually thwarted a terrorist attack." 

All the antiterrorism efforts at Grand Forks AFB, from publishing the antiterrorism plan to researching new technology for potential implementation, ultimately support the needs of the wing commander, said Tech. Sgt. Lyle Brandstrom, antiterrorism office. 

"Our antiterrorism efforts at Grand Forks are very good," said Mr. Jeff Overholt, wing antiterrorism advisor. "We have led Air Mobility Command and the Air Force in our risk assessment methodology and implementation and our Integrated Base Defense concept of operations." 

Upcoming Level 1 training classes will be offered: 

· July 31 at 9 a.m.
· Aug. 17 at 4 p.m.
· Aug. 30 at 1 p.m
· Sept. 26 at 9 a.m. 

All classes will be held in room 102 of the Education Center. Contact the antiterrorism office at 747-4226 or 747-6348 to schedule classes. 

A Level II training course will be offered Sept. 17-21 to everyone who will be filling a unit antiterrorism monitor position. All appointees must receive the training within 120 days of appointment and every three years thereafter. More information will be released as it becomes available. Contact 747-4226 or 747-6348 to schedule classes.