Preparing the base for all hazards and terrorist threats

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Yuvonne Fischer
  • 5th Bomb Wing antiterrorism officer
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  "This is the Command Post Exercise, Exercise, Exercise FPCON DELTA..." 

By now these words should be very familiar to people working and living on Minot AFB. Personnel here have been in a constant readiness mindset for quite some time and it's more important than ever to remain postured for any threat that may come our way. The most advantageous way to accomplish this is through testing our ability to defeat any threat by remaining prepared and vigilant! To meet this goal the base will conduct an all hazards response training and major antiterrorism exercise next week.
 
AHRT is a comprehensive training and exercise program that is both functional and cross-functional. The focus is on integrating key senior leaders, select installation disaster-response force members, exercise evaluation team members, and local community emergency responder/management responsibilities. 

"Our expectation is to achieve all of our training objectives for a biological and chemical response," said Maj. Larry Lewis, 5th Bomb Wing plans. "To accomplish this requires the base to work in concert as they react to an emergency situation. Integrating AT into the mix offers the reality of responding to an emergency and engaging the enemy simultaneously." 

"AT's goal is to educate base personnel on the actions they need to take when they hear the wavering tone followed by the exercise FPCON DELTA message," said PJ Pallotta, 5th BW antiterrorism officer. "There are specific measures like sheltering in place, immediately locking down the installation, and threat dissemination that occurs once the alarm sounds. It is imperative all personnel participate, so we will be out evaluating the response at places like the BX, commissary, education center, housing and construction areas, base schools and child development center, to name a few." 

Part of the educational piece to this process is defining what Force Protection Condition 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. Normally, this FPCON is declared as a localized condition. For example, the base is under attack or someone reports a truck carrying explosives with the intent of detonating it is on its way to Minot AFB. These events require base personnel to take immediate action. 

What does a person do? First, seek shelter immediately. Go inside the nearest building and lock the doors. Once secure, await additional guidance from the commander. If possible tune into the commander's access channel (channel 10), read the electronic battle staff directives and/or listen for updates disseminated through Giant Voice. Be sure to contact loved ones and put an emergency action plan into motion. This is why it is important for Airmen to communicate a plan with their family members in the event the Airman is not with the family when the alarm sounds. 

To neutralize the threat, movement on base will be restricted, as security forces personnel will be actively engaging the enemy to protect personnel and resources. It is imperative to clear the way for additional responding forces and medical and fire personnel.
 
"You may see things that seem out of the norm and you can expect minor inconveniences throughout the week," said Col. Steven Basham, 5th BW vice commander. "This is a reminder to all base personnel that we are on a military installation and we must continuously train and exercise to counter any potential threat." 

The AT portion of the exercise will identify how personnel react to the FPCON DELTA alarm. Base EET members will evaluate the following items: 

· Do personnel know and understand why we are in the current FPCON?
· Are personnel reacting to the Giant Voice wavering tone?
· Are personnel proactive in their response to the warning?
· Are personnel seeking immediate shelter?
· Do personnel understand their role in the event the base is attacked and when FPCON DELTA is implemented?
· Are personnel displaying the appropriate degree of vigilance based on the current FPCON?

"To prepare, units should review the FPCON checklists so they can anticipate certain actions," said Mr. Pallotta. "Also, military personnel need 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." 

"With the installation working collaboratively during the upcoming AHRT/AT exercise, we can practice maximizing our ability to appropriately respond in the event of a real-world threat," he added.