Antiterrorism Awareness Month 2023

August is Antiterrorism Month, which is designed to raise awareness not only of the threat of terrorism, but also to encourage regular vigilance and communication to report potential threats. Throughout the month there is a series of articles highlighting key points for increased awareness of goals, objectives and measures.

Training seminars and videos are also part of this family-oriented outreach. Some videos are available from individual Army commands via YouTube.

What Activities Do I Report?

• People drawing or measuring important buildings
• Strangers asking questions about security forces or security procedures
• A briefcase, suitcase, backpack or package left behind
• Cars or trucks left in “No Parking” zones in front of important buildings
• Intruders found in secure areas
• A person wearing clothes that are too big and bulky and/or too hot for the weather
• Chemical smells or fumes that worry you
• Questions about sensitive information, such as building blueprints, security plans or VIP travel schedules without a right or need to know
• Purchasing supplies or equipment that can be used to make bombs or weapons or purchasing uniforms without having the proper credentials

“If you see something, say something” is common theme among the many agencies and websites when it comes to terrorism awareness, and that is being strongly emphasized in August. The Defense Logistics Agency official site reminds its’ readers, “Trust your instincts; if a behavior or activity makes you feel uncomfortable, REPORT IT.”

What kinds of behavior does DLA mean? “People drawing or measuring important buildings” and “Strangers asking questions about security forces or security procedures” are two of the top indicators to be wary of, but also included in the DLA list:

“An unattended briefcase, suitcase, backpack, or package…Cars or trucks left in No Parking zones in front of important buildings…Intruders found in secure areas…A person wearing clothes that are too big and bulky and/or too hot for the weather. Chemical smells or fumes that worry you …A person who is asking questions about sensitive information such as building blueprints, security plans, or VIP schedules without a right or need to know…”

These reminders may sound familiar; they are the same types of things posted in airports, train stations, bus terminals, etc. Antiterrorism Awareness Month is designed to bring these reminders back into the spotlight, serving as a reminder that we live in times which require this added watchfulness.

Joe Wallace is a 13-year veteran of the United States Air Force and a former reporter for Air Force Television News