KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- In response to our country's increased involvement in Iraq and Syria, Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and its supporters have stepped up calls, through social media campaigns and other venues, for supporters to violently attack United States' interests including service members and their families. Several of these extremist websites are also touting the successes of their followers by fabricating stories of successful attacks against U.S. military personnel and civilian targets. These claims are unsubstantiated propaganda. There is no information to corroborate any of these claims. Furthermore, while these organizations have made general threats towards the West and our interests, no specific threats have been levied against Kirtland, our Airmen or their families.
Remaining vigilant is our best defense against the threat of terrorism. Experts believe that an attack would be small in scale and most likely be carried out by a lone individual with little advance warning and would target individuals, rather than a large-scale terrorist event. Accordingly, we strongly encourage everyone to maintain situational awareness while in the local community, at large venues or gatherings and, most importantly, to report suspicious activity to the Security Forces, the Office of Special Investigations or local law enforcement agencies. Your efforts in this regard may be the tip we need to stop an attack from occurring.
The following activities/actions listed below not only serve as good crime prevention techniques, but are also equally effective in reducing the threats posed to us by terrorists:
Social media: Think before you post and assume everyone in the world will be able to see what you are posting or tweeting, even if the site limits your posts to your friends and family. Limit who can view your social media sites and do not trust these settings as absolute protection. Avoid posting your home or work address and phone numbers, government or military affiliation. Avoid providing detailed accounts of your day such as when you leave for or return from work. Never allow applications to geo-locate.
Actions at home: Always lock doors, windows and garages. Make sure home entrances are well lit, and minimize bushes where intruders can hide before. Use the peephole before opening the door to anyone. Don't use the chain latch to open the door partway. Don't open the door to solicitors or strangers. Install solid-core doors, heavy-duty locks and window security systems. Hold a family meeting to work out home security plans.
Suspicious activity: Watch for unusual interest in sensitive information about security measures, personnel, entry points, peak days/hours of operation and access controls such as alarms or locks; overtly suspicious actions to provoke and observe responses by public safety personnel; discreet use of cameras or video recorders, sketching or note-taking consistent with surveillance; observation of or questions about facility air conditioning, heating and ventilation systems; repeated visits by the same subjects, including attempts to disguise appearance from visit to visit; attempted or unauthorized access to rooftops or other sensitive areas; observation of or unusual questions about security measures, such as staffing, barriers, restricted areas, cameras and intrusion detection systems; multiple false alarms or fictitious emergency calls to the same locations or similar venues; unusual interest in speaking with building maintenance personnel; observation of security reaction drills or procedures; attention to or avoidance of surveillance cameras; garments not appropriate for the weather or season.
The threat of terrorism is real. However, we need not live in fear because of the threat. Application of the aforementioned precautions coupled with vigilance and a robust reporting system is a solid defense against terrorism. Your Security Forces, base mission partners, local law enforcement, the Joint Terrorism Task Force and the New Mexico All Source Intelligence Center are working around the clock to ensure we remain a formidable obstacle to anyone who would threaten our united effort of safeguarding our communities and nation against those who seek to do us harm.
We all play a critical role in the security of Kirtland and our local communities. To report suspicious activity of any type, contact OSI's Detachment 116 at 846-0999, the Security Forces BDOC at 846-7913 or your local law enforcement agency by dialing 911.