The Global War on Terrorism begins with you

PITTSBURGH IAP ARS -- The Global War on Terrorism takes on many forms, ranging from kinetic operations in Iraq and Afghanistan to more innocuous manifestations that people often take for granted. The role of the unit and individual often falls into the latter category. 

Unit and individual anti-terrorism measures can be as devastating to the enemy as a B-52 strike not only overseas, but here at home as well. A recent example of this was the unsuccessful 2007 plot to infiltrate Ft. Dix, N.J. 

The "Fort Dix 6" were foiled largely due to the diligence of Brian Morgenstern in Mt. Laurel, N.J. The Circuit City employee alerted authorities about a tape that had been brought to the store to be converted to DVD. The tape contained footage of the conspirators firing automatic weapons and shouting Islamic slogans. Mr. Morgenstern, an 'average citizen,' saved the lives of an unforeseeable number of American service
members. 

The potential terrorists chose Ft. Dix because they considered it a soft target; easy access to the base, lax security and what they felt was an atmosphere of it could never happen here complacency. The primary lessons to be learned from the failed plot are: be diligent and be a hard target. These are among the things that Justin A. Briley, the
Anti-terrorism Program Manager for the 911th Airlift Wing, strives to instill here at Pittsburgh International Airport Air Reserve Station. 

Mr. Briley, a New York City native, started his job at the wing in August of this year. His previous assignment was with the Defense Logistics Agency-Europe, where he served as the Security Manager. Mr. Briley's job here encompasses the many facets of the installation AT Program: he is the Wing Commander's AT advisor and program manager; he interacts with the Security Forces on their law enforcement and physical security programs and AT tactics, techniques and procedures. He interfaces with
Intelligence and local Office of Special Investigations Detachment in disseminating threat information and participates in the threat working group. Mr. Briley reviews Civil Engineering projects during different phases of design and recommends security
enhancements. In addition, he coordinates yearly Annual Training exercises, and promotes security awareness. "In order for an AT program to be effective, everyone
must participate," said Mr. Briley. "By bringing AT to a grass-roots level, it becomes much more effective." Units and individuals can contribute to the success of the AT Program through security/situational awareness. Specifically, become familiar with your surroundings; take note of things that seem unusual or out of place; be alert to strangers on or near government property who are out of place or appear to be there for no apparent reason; recognize and report unusual or suspicious activity. Be part of the USAF Eagle Eyes Program. 

· Become familiar with your surroundings, take note of things that seem unusual or out of place.
· Be alert to strangers on or near government property for no reason.
· Recognize and report unusual or suspicious activity.
· Write down license plate numbers of suspicious vehicles.
· When traveling to and from work, alternate routes and parking spaces.
· Wear civilian clothes when using mass transit, avoid wearing your uniform into stores and restaurants.
· Inspect all mail before opening it. Check packages for protruding wires, unusual bulges and odors.
· Oily stains, unfamiliar or missing return addresses are other clues that something may be wrong.
· Destroy all envelopes or other items that show rank, name or other personal information
· Keep positive control of your military ID at all times. 
· Don't leave your ID card in your computer or in your
car; report loss or theft or your ID immediately.
All of these AT defensive measures aid in disrupting terrorists' surveillance and planning and make you a hard target. "We don't want to rely on luck," said Mr. Briley. "Eventually our luck is going to run out."