What to do in FPCON Delta Published May 11, 2011 5th Bomb Wing Antiterrorism Office MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- [The opening paragraph is only a hypothetical situation used to demonstrate a time when FPCON Delta would be initiated]. A shooting spree by an armed assailant at Air Force Global Strike Command's Minot AFB Fire Department drove the installation into Force Protection Condition DELTA and into an immediate lockdown! Obviously, the attack didn't actually occur, but rather was part of a recent Minot AFB emergency response exercise designed to enhance the awareness, training and response capability of Minot AFB personnel and base organizations. ''The whole idea behind these response drills is to evaluate the base's capability to respond an attack on the base, an active shooter or any other incident that would drive us to FPCON DELTA," said P.J. Pallotta, 5th Bomb Wing antiterrorism officer. "We want our base community and forces to work in concert when responding to an emergency event." These response drills help educate base personnel, on actions required to be taken when they hear the wavering tone and giant voice messages. Mr. Pallotta explained the importance of having people react quickly, move with purpose and respond with confidence and a true sense of urgency in the face of an emergency event. "There are specific measures like sheltering in place, locking down facilities, closing the installation gates, and threat dissemination that occurs once the alarm sounds," explained Mr. Pallotta. "Exercising often and running our measures will help us identify deficiencies and concerns we can correct." So what exactly does FPCON Delta mean? FPCON Delta applies in the immediate area where a terrorist attack has occurred or when intelligence has been received that terrorist action against a specific location or person is imminent. Normally, this FPCON is declared as a localized condition. For example, the base is under attack or someone reports a truck carrying explosives, with the intent of detonating it and is on its way to Minot AFB. These events require base personnel to take immediate action. The wavering tone/alarm and giant voice will likely be the base populace's initial notification regarding an FPCON Delta event. One of the first required actions necessary when Delta is initiated is seeking shelter immediately. Go inside the nearest building and lock the doors and windows. Positively control entry into all facilities, including base housing. Once secure, await additional guidance from emergency response forces and base leadership. If possible, tune into the news, read the crisis action team and missile response cell directives, monitor the emergency management notification system messages and listen for updates disseminated through the giant voice. Be sure to contact family members and put your emergency action plan into motion. Base personnel, as well as their family members, must understand the impact of FPCON Delta and their responsibilities while in the elevated posture. To assist security forces in neutralizing the threat, pedestrian and vehicle movement on base must be very limited. Security Forces need freedom of movement to focus on threat elements. Seek the nearest facility for shelter and eliminate all on base non-essential driving. If in a facility that has already locked-down due to a threat on the base, do not attempt to leave. Instead, move away from the doors, windows and locate the facility shelter-in-place room for safety. Do the right thing; listen to the facility managers and those personnel responsible for implementing FPCON measures. Every MAFB member must understand the five tiers of FPCONs and clearly recognize what each means and what to do in the event the FPCON changes. The FPCON system describes the progressive level of protective measures implemented by DOD installations or units in response to terrorist threats. There are five FPCON levels and each level has separate supporting measures that incrementally raise preparedness and protection capabilities. These levels can be adjusted by commanders based on local threat conditions or by higher headquarters based upon regional or world threats. "Understanding your responsibilities under the various FPCON levels is critical to mission success and personal safety," said Master Sergeant Billy Theel, 5th Bomb Wing antiterrorism officer."The FPCON system allows the base to quickly increase its defense and protective measures when threats appear. Responding to FPCONs should be second nature for all of us; it could be a matter of life and death." Mr. Pallotta said the FPCONs also have varying degrees of bounds with the more limiting conditions and requirements levied during periods of actual, suspected or imminent threats and events, especially while in FPCON Delta. "All of the appropriate response and security measures must be implemented and followed by all base occupants during both exercises and or real-world events. There is no such thing as 'exercise FPCONs.' When FPCONs are implemented during exercises, they are the same measures implemented during an actual event," said Mr. Pallotta."With the upcoming Conventional Operational Readiness Inspection, each Team Minot member should be aware of the FPCON system because FPCON measures implemented during an exercise or inspection are the same as those executed during a real event. Exercising FPCON posture changes, practicing an emergency response, maintaining increased situational awareness and confidently knowing what to do during an emergency will enhance our chance of success when we are faced with a real threat or hostile event." The FPCON levels are posted at all the gates on Minot, on entrance ways to buildings and on the base marquee. Mr. Pallotta said he encourages everyone to take the current FPCON Bravo posture seriously and to always take advantage of installation-level FPCON exercises by participating in all aspects of the exercise to prepare for the real thing. The 5th Minot AFB Antiterrorism Office provided the following list of each FPCON level: FPCON NORMAL: Applies when a general global threat of possible terrorist activity exists and warrants a routine security posture. FPCON Normal warrants a routine security posture. FPCON ALPHA: Applies when there is an increased general threat of possible terrorist activity against personnel or facilities, the nature and extent of which are unpredictable. FPCON Alpha measures must be capable of being maintained indefinitely. FPCON BRAVO: Applies when an increased or more predictable threat of terrorist activity exists. Sustaining FPCON Bravo measures for a prolonged period may affect operational capability and military-civil relationships with local authorities. This is our current FPCON-level. FPCON CHARLIE: Applies when an incident occurs or intelligence is received indicating that some form of terrorist action or targeting against personnel or facilities is likely. Implementation of FPCON Charlie measures may create hardship and affect the activities of the unit and its personnel. FPCON DELTA: Applies in the immediate area where a terrorist attack has occurred or when intelligence has been received that terrorist action against a specific location or person is imminent. FPCON Delta is usually declared as a localized condition and is not intended to be sustained for substantial periods of time.