AT ensures housing residents are equipped

  • Published
  • Minot Air Force Base Anti-Terrorism Office
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  The Minot Air Force Base Anti-Terrorism Office launched its 2010 campaign designed to better protect the installation and its resources from terrorist activity.

Everyone who works or lives on a Department of Defense installation has the responsibility of being vigilant and reporting suspicious activity. Thanks to an AT base initiative -- some housing residents will be better equipped to do so.

The Neighborhood Sensor Program is targeted at Air Force Global Strike Command base housing residents who live along or close to the base perimeter and is used to educate these residents on enhanced anti-terrorism measures and recognition of suspicious activity.

"The Minot Air Force Base Neighborhood Sensor program was devised to improve the awareness of base housing residents who live along the perimeter of the installation," said P.J. Pallotta, Minot AFB antiterrorism officer. "Basically, we want our residents in those houses actively involved in the installation's overall force protection program."

Mr. Pallotta said the program has been very successful as it is the reason this base has overcame serious vulnerabilities in the past.

The Neighborhood Sensor Program greatly counters these security concerns by enlisting these residents to act as force multipliers. Residents accomplish this through sensors and patrols and by educating them on what to look for when assessing a possible threat.

Some of the training and education residents received included:
1. Unclassified threats to the installation
2. Methods of entry by those groups or organizations that would attempt illegal entry
3. Training on recognizing and reporting suspicious activity
4. Deterrence methodologies
5. Additional actions during increased Force Protection Conditions

"Although similar to the Air Force Eagle Eyes Program, the Neighborhood Sensor Program progresses in that it targets certain personnel and provides specific training to ensure these residents are aware of their unique location and are capable of detecting and reporting suspicious activity," said Master Sgt. Billy Theel, base antiterrorism officer.

"Once residents are trained, they will have the tools to better identify possible installation threats and provide early detection," Sergeant Theel added.