Minot AFB kicks off major AT exercise, MARE Published June 1, 2009 By Senior Airman Wesley Wright Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- "This is the Command Post: Exercise, Exercise, Exercise Force Protection Condition DELTA." By now, these words should be familiar to people working and living on Minot AFB. Personnel here have been in a constant readiness mindset for quite some time and according to base antiterrorism experts, it's more important than ever to remain postured for any threat. "The most advantageous way to accomplish this is through testing our ability to defeat terrorist threats by remaining prepared and vigilant," said P.J. Pallotta, 5th Bomb Wing AT office. To meet this goal Minot AFB will go through a major Antiterrorism exercise June 1 to 4. "Our exercise goals right now are to first, prevent a terrorist attack on Minot AFB and missile complex," said Pallotta. "Second, be able to mitigate the effects of a terrorist attack in the event it does occur; third, enhance capabilities by joining forces and integrating with various agencies in Minot and all of North Dakota to better deter, respond to and recover from a terrorist attack; lastly, ensure our personnel and their families are safe and educated on the actions they need take if an attack occurs." Although the base annually conducts major antiterrorism exercises, this particular exercise will be the first time the base has partnered with downtown and out-of-town agencies. "One of the main objectives of the exercise is to take capabilities that exist in all of North Dakota, specifically the 81st civil support team in Bismarck and local agencies in Minot, and then train them in an integrated exercise," Mr. Pallotta said. "This gives us the ability to see what each agency brings to the fight. Pallotta said he expects great things from the joint exercise and has full faith in Minot police and fire departments and the other agencies involved. "We have so much talent and capability it would be unfortunate if we didn't access those capabilities," Pallotta said. "We have some good folks here in North Dakota." According to Pallotta, it is imperative that people know what measures they need to take during these exercises. "There are specific measures like sheltering in place, immediately locking down the installation, and threat dissemination that occurs once the alarm sounds," Pallotta said. "It is crucial all personnel participate. We will be out evaluating not only the operational piece, but the general populace at places like the base exchange, hospital, commissary and housing, to name a few." According to Tim Allen, 91st Missile Wing AT office, the key to understanding the exercise process is defining what FPCON DELTA means and the associated expectations of base 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," Allen said. "What do you do? First, seek shelter immediately! Go inside the nearest building and lock the doors. Once secure, await additional guidance from the commander." Allen advised that if possible, people should tune into the commander's access channel, read the electronic battle staff directives and listen for updates disseminated through Giant Voice. Base residents are advised to contact loved ones and put their emergency action plan into motion. "This is why it is important to communicate your plan with family members in the event you are not together when the alarm sounds," Allen said. To neutralize the threat, movement on base will be restricted as security forces personnel will actively engage the enemy to protect personnel and resources. The base gates will have strict limitations on vehicle entry and personnel can expect a significant local law enforcement presence outside of the installation. "We must work in concert with one another to effectively respond to threats to the installation and missile complex," Allen said. "Everyone has a role and reacting appropriately is the key to security and survival," he added. To prepare, units are advised to review FPCON checklists so they can anticipate certain actions. Also, military personnel are advised to educate their family members on what is expected of them if they are in the middle of shopping at the BX or commissary or if they are outside in the housing areas. Although it is not tied to the antiterrorism exercise, the base will also be conducting a major accident response exercise June 5 in preparation for Northern Neighbor's Day. Base residents are advised that they may hear ground burst simulators and smoke will be visible on the airfield. "The theme this week is knowing our capabilities and being prepared for any circumstance," said Maj. Larry Lewis, 5th Bomb Wing, chief of XP. "These two exercises accomplish both those objectives for us." Whether fighting the enemy or warding off Mother Nature, for Minot Air Force Base and the State of North Dakota its "One Team, One Fight."