NSI — Be prepared, think PRP Published Aug. 11, 2010 5th Mission Support Group MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Over the past several months the base has prepared for its Nuclear Surety Inspection or NSI, which is currently underway until Aug. 20. While military family members may not be familiar with the extent of all areas being evaluated, they should be aware of the areas of base security which overlap with their safety and protection. Recall last week's exercise. During this exercise the base was placed into Force Protection Condition DELTA, or FPCON Delta. All military members and their families should ask themselves a few questions. Did I know what was happening when the warning was given? Do I know what I should do at our house, while in the Commissary or in the BX? Am I familiar with what the schools will do with my children in-place? If one has a doubt or a concern, TALK ABOUT IT. They should talk to their military spouse, the unit's key spouse, the unit's First Sergeant, other spouses or spouse groups. The bottom line is talk to someone and get the questions answered! For example, when FPCON Delta is directed, all missions halt except base security. This includes training, administrative functions and most day-to-day operational activities. Security forces will be fighting to protect personnel and resources. Base residents can expect rigid security at base gates and immediate restrictions on their movements, such as being directed to stay home. FPCONs have five different levels ranging from FPCON NORMAL to FPCON DELTA. Each describes progressive threat levels and initiates pre-planned defensive or mitigation actions. FPCON ALPHA applies when there is an increased general threat of possible terrorist activity against personnel or facilities. FPCON BRAVO applies when an increased or more predictable threat of terrorist activity exists. If an incident occurs or when intelligence is received that a threat action against a specific location is imminent, Minot AFB will implement FPCON CHARLIE or DELTA. Some incidents that could result in these elevated levels are: a bomb-threat, suspicious package/improvised explosive device, vehicle gate runner, weapons fire, unauthorized aircraft landing and terrorist attacks. After the situation is handled or the threat has passed, lower protection levels may be directed and base security procedures returned to a lower state of readiness. Follow-up announcements will be broadcasted over the base's giant voice system, through electronic battle staff directives, on the base website and through unit control centers. Remember the DELTA warning. If DELTA is implemented, the entire base will hear an 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 and windows. Once secured in the nearest shelter, await further guidance from the commander. Family members should have an emergency plan and emergency communication plan, know the plan and be ready to follow announcements from authorities both on- and off-base. As an example of some emergency plans, in FPCON DELTA bus drivers transporting students on base are expected to divert to the fitness center or as directed. Also, on the occasion that the bus is off base and unable to gain entry to the base, children will be returned to the school from which they were picked up. While learning about and discussing FPCONs, one should ask their spouse or another military member about Nuclear Surety and the Personnel Reliability Program, or PRP. What are some questions a spouse or family member should ask abot PRP? Do I know about PRP? Do I know if my spouse is on PRP? If so, do I know the basics of the program and the limitations and responsibilities this program places on my military spouse? PRP is designed and intended to ensure each person selected and retained for performing duties associated with nuclear weapons or nuclear command and control systems and equipment is emotionally stable and physically capable. It also ensures they have demonstrated reliability and professional competence. This requires constant monitoring by the individual's commander, supervisor, medical treatment facility and peers. What does this mean to a spouse? It means that any situation which could impact a military spouse's reliability, such as family or marriage problems, financial difficulties, unusual behavior, death of a family member or medical issues, can directly affect their reliability status. When the individual's reliability may be affected, it must be reported to the PRP member's supervisor to ensure they are removed from their PRP related duties. Most importantly, the individual then receives any assistance needed to help resolve the issue(s). It is very important to remember suspension from nuclear duties under the PRP is NON-PUNITIVE! Temporary situations like the ones described do not reflect negatively on the individual from a PRP standpoint. Once the issue is resolved, the member will be able to continue their previously assigned duties. Minot AFB currently has the largest PRP population in the Department of Defense. It would be safe to assume if one doesn't have a spouse or family member on PRP, there is a good chance they know someone who is. As a result, individuals may come across a situation where someone who is on the program is facing some personal challenges which may affect their ability to focus on their nuclear duties. If the situation occurs, please contact the unit First Sergeant so they can get the help they need. Remember, the Air Force is a community environment. It takes everyone--Active Duty, civilians and family members--to help ensure the safety, security and effectiveness of the base's nuclear and conventional responsibilities and missions!