Force Protection and Antiterrorism is everyone’s responsibility Published March 8, 2007 By Skip Mann 4th Fighter Wing Antiterrorism Officer SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- To instill Force Protection and Antiterrorism awareness into every Airman's mind, the 4th Fighter Wing Force Protection Office will be running a series of articles on Force Protection and Antiterrorism, beginning with this article on general security precautions. Take the time to read and employ these valuable tips to heighten your personal security awareness. While this article addresses general security precautions, future articles will address specific security concerns including travel security, suspicious activity and surveillance operations. General Precautions: - Keep a low profile. Your dress, conduct and mannerisms should not attract attention. Make an effort to blend into the local environment. - Be unpredictable. Vary daily routines, such as your route to and from work and the time you leave and return home. Vary the way you dress. Let people close to you know where you are going, what you will be doing, and when you should be back. - Be cautious of conversations in public places and on the telephone. Do not volunteer personal information. Do not publish rank or duty title in commercial phone books. - When feasible and possible, avoid wearing military uniforms or other identifiable clothing while traveling off-installation. If possible, remove military headgear and cover uniform when traveling in vehicles. - Vary routes and times when commuting to and from work, taking children to school, shopping, etc. Again, be unpredictable and avoid establishing routines. - Avoid isolated areas, side streets, civil disturbances, and demonstrations. - Consider removing family name from home or vehicle. - Verify all deliveries and repairs through proper credentials or other documents. Contact the agency or company people claim to represent for additional verification. - Be alert for unidentified vehicles or personnel and exercise caution with strangers. - Know your neighborhood & neighbors. - Keep all outside doors and accessible windows closed and locked. - Keep car and house keys separate and maintain accountability. - Examine mail for suspicious letters or parcels. - Familiarize children with police and fire stations and teach them emergency procedures and telephone numbers. - Advise children to avoid isolated areas, to travel and play in groups, never talk to or go anywhere with strangers and to keep family members informed of their whereabouts. - wWhen making travel reservations, do not use rank or position and if possible use military air. - When in a restaurants, locate emergency exits upon entering, choose a table with greatest field of view, avoid business conversation near other patrons, and do not reveal after-dinner plans. - Stress the importance of security and the seriousness of the threat to the whole family. - Be alert to your surroundings and report suspicious personnel or activities to local authorities. - Remember to trust your instincts! These tips and other important information are located in CJCS Guide 5260, Antiterrorism Personal Protection Guide: A Self-Help Guide to Antiterrorism, which can be obtained by contacting your Unit Antiterrorism Representative or the 4th Fighter Wing Force Protection Office. For more information, call the 4th Fighter Wing Antiterrorism Officer, Mr. Skip Mann, 722-1239.