U.S. Northern Command has directed a change in Force Protection on all federal installations.
Visitors, employees and residents aboard Marine Corps and other military bases will see an increase is security activity especially at the base gates.
FPCON Bravo applies when an increased or more predictable threat of terrorist activity exists. In addition to FPCON Alpha measures, installation commanders will increase ID checks and inspections of facilities, deliveries, and packages. Some traffic will be restricted and vehicle barriers emplaced. Personnel can expect to experience some delays due to ID checks and vehicle inspections.
“Personnel can expect some increased delays with vehicle and pedestrian traffic at the base entry control points,” said Col. Allen Broughton, MCB Quantico chief of staff. “If you’re driving a vehicle and you have more than one person in that car, everybody needs an approved identification card. There will be vehicle inspections and an increased security presence at the gates.”
Broughton also said: “What we ask is that families, visitors, employees and Marines increase their vigilance.
“Eagle Eyes is a base neighborhood watch program designed to educate people about what to do and who to call when they see suspicious activity on base. If you see anything that makes you raise an eyebrow, call the Eagle Eyes hotline which will connect you to the Provost Marshal’s Office desk sergeant’s desk,” he said.
With Eagle Eyes, nothing is too small to report and nothing should go unwatched.
“Abandoned vehicles, people hanging out outside the gate, anything suspicious should be called in,” Broughton said.
FPCON Levels:
FPCON Normal is the routine security of an installation when there is no known security threat.
FPCON Alpha applies when there is a general threat of possible terrorist activity, but the nature and extent of the threat is unpredictable. FPCON Alpha measures may be sustained indefinitely. Under FPCON Alpha, installation commanders take steps to increase awareness and limit access to military facilities. Response procedures are reviewed and random checks are increased. Personnel can expect random vehicle checks and enhanced crime prevention efforts. When the FPCON increases, personnel should be alert for suspicious activity and reduce exposure.
FPCON Bravo applies when an increased or more predictable threat of terrorist activity exists. In addition to FPCON Alpha measures, installation commanders will increase ID checks and inspections of facilities, deliveries, and packages. Some traffic will be restricted and vehicle barriers emplaced. Personnel can expect to experience some delays due to ID checks and vehicle inspections.
FPCON Charlie applies when an incident occurs or intelligence is received indicating some form of terrorist action or targeting against personnel or facilities is likely. Under FPCON Charlie, installation commanders continue all FPCON Bravo measures and further restrict access to military facilities, increase barriers and increase random security patrols. In addition to inconvenient delays, personnel can expect special instructions and extra duties to support unit security. For example, be prepared for extra guard duties, alert orders and emergency response drills.
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.
FPCON Delta is declared as a local condition and, because it disrupts normal operations, is not intended to be sustained for substantial periods. In FPCON Delta, Commanders bring their units to a high state of alert and many mission activities are delayed or canceled. All nonessential activities and movements are suspended and resources are focused on defense against attack.
