Staying vigilant with Eagle Eyes

  • Published
  • Minot Air Force base OSI Det. 228
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  As a result of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, the Air Force implemented an antiterrorism program called "Eagle Eyes," which is run by the Air Force Office of Special Investigations. Much like a neighborhood watch program, the Eagle Eyes program is an aggressive Air Force-wide neighborhood watch program that educates people on observable activities and what to do if they see something suspicious. The motto for Eagle Eyes is: Watch. Report. Protect.

"Eagle Eyes enlists the help of all base personnel whether active-duty, reservist, family members, civilian contractors, or civilians in the communities surrounding the base. It's important they remain vigilant and keep their eyes and ears open to any suspicious activities," said Special Agent Jonathan Bofinger, Det. 228. "The 2001 attack did not just spontaneously happen. There were precursor events that occurred which eventually led up to the attack."

"These terrorists conducted surveillance, planned their attacks and rehearsed their operation," he added.

Lessons learned in the federal law enforcement and intelligence communities played a key role in the development of Eagle Eyes.

"Of most importance, we learned that almost every terrorist act is preceded by observable activities. These activities usually include surveillance, elicitation for information, tests of security, acquiring certain supplies, a dry run -- practicing the terrorist act, and deploying the assets to commit the act," said SA Bofinger. "Once the assets are deployed to commit the attack, it is almost always too late to prevent the act from occurring."

Minot AFB's OSI Det. 228 special agents are out on the streets on a regular basis briefing Eagle Eyes information not only to the base community, but also to local vendors and companies that may be of interest to a terrorist. Through education, it is possible to train individuals on how to help prevent a terrorist attack from occurring.

"When the community is aware of pre-attack indicators, they can play a vital role in deterring a potential attack," SA Bofinger said.

Once a potential indicator is observed, it is reported to OSI through various channels. OSI then investigates the reported activity.

Here are some examples of what has been reported through the Eagle Eyes program: a duffle bag containing Air Force flight suits stolen from an Airman's vehicle; two females attempted to elicit information from Security Forces members concerning missile and troop operations; two unidentified males entered a local copier store and laminated a suspected counterfeit military identification card.

By reaching out to Air Force members, their families and the local community through educational briefings and word of mouth, these incidents were reported in a timely manner. By reporting these incidents, potential criminal or terrorist plots were foiled.

"Through education, we believe many incidents can be easily avoided. Simple things like not leaving valuables, such as your military identification, military uniforms, or deployment gear in your vehicles can prevent a potential terrorist activity from occurring," SA Bofinger said.

Law Enforcement officials, to include OSI special agents, cannot be everywhere at all times.

"The Eagle Eyes program relies on every individual to remain vigilant," said SA Bofinger. "Only you know your neighborhood. Only you know your workplace. Please continue to remain cognizant and continue to watch, report and protect."