Being Ready for FPCON Surges

  • Published
  • Minot Air Force Base Antiterrorism Office
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  By its very nature, Force Protection Condition (FPCON) DELTA dictates that all missions halt except base security. This includes training, administrative functions and most day-to-day operational activities.

What is required if the base surges to FPCON DELTA in response to a terrorist attack? If the base locks-down, what do Airmen and their families do if on base? What if they are off base? What should be done to support the unit and/or installation in the event of an attack? These are critical questions every Airman, contractor, civilian employee, family member and installation guest must ask themselves.

If a terrorist attack occurred at Minot AFB, security forces will be fighting to protect personnel and resources. Simultaneously, the base will be implementing appropriate FPCON measures. Among many other requirements, base residents of Minot AFB can expect rigid security at base gates and immediate restrictions on their movements. Many base gates will be closed, and strict security checks at others could result in long lines of traffic. Base residents classified as non-mission essential can expect orders to stay home; but be ready!

"If we go to FPCON DELTA there will be very little available in the way of services on the base," said P.J. Pallotta, 5th Bomb Wing antiterrorism officer. "Everything shuts down and most of us will sit in our residences and wait it out. We will work through the issues and hopefully restore essential services quickly to enable us to continue our missions."

"The elevated security measures will not last forever," Pallotta added. "If we do ever go to FPCON DELTA there will be overt inconveniences. But hopefully, it will last only a very short time."

As a result of limited services while in higher FPCONs, all base residents should keep extra supplies such as non-perishable foods, diapers, formula, medicines and bottled water on-hand (typically at least a two to three day supply). Avoid coming on the base unnecessarily, as the lines will be long. Visit www.ready.gov to create your own plan and build a disaster kit.

Implementing FPCON CHARLIE or DELTA is extremely difficult. Everyone's help is required to allow security forces to protect base personnel and secure critical war-fighting resources. These FPCON measures will create hardship and most certainly affect activity both on- and off- base. During increased FPCONs, the major concern is positively controlling access to the installation. Non-mission essential movement on, off and around base must immediately halt. In DELTA, installation gates will immediately close and no one will be allowed to enter or leave. After the event is quelled, base entry and exit may resume. Security personnel will conduct complete searches on all vehicles entering the installation.

If DELTA is implemented, the entire base will likely hear the audible wavering tone and verbal instructions over the installation emergency broadcast system (giant voice). At this time, all personnel should go inside the nearest building or house and lock the doors. This is absolutely necessary to neutralize the threat and allow first responders to save lives. Once secured in the nearest shelter, await further guidance from the commander and if possible, contact family members to implement your emergency plan. A good communications plan helps determine loved ones' whereabouts while staying in place. Loved ones should know the plan and be ready to follow announcements from authorities both on- and off-base.

Follow-up announcements will be broadcasted over the base's giant voice system, through electronic battle staff directives, on the commander's access channel and through unit control centers.

"The FPCON system is placed in effect to protect, not inconvenience Airmen, families and visitors," said Timothy Allen, 91st Missile Wing antiterrorism officer. "Everybody plays a vital role during increased FPCONs. Whether you are a first responder or person behind a desk we must all work as a cohesive team."

"Reacting appropriately is the key to security and survival during any situation. FPCONs are no different," added Allen.

These tools will provide accurate and up-to-date information as the base and local community work together to mitigate the incident and threat at hand.

This year marks the ninth anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Terrorist attacks across the globe continue to occur and no one knows who, when or where the next tragedy will occur. The threats we face today as a nation and a community are very real and very dangerous.