MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII -- On Sept. 11, 2001, America suffered one of the largest terrorist acts in its history, resulting in many lives lost and a great deal of damage and pain. As the nation commemorated the anniversary of 9/11 this week, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, like other military installations, continues to work against the threat of terrorism.
According to the Marine Corps Base Hawaii Family Force Protection Plan: “The Department of Defense defines terrorism as the calculated use of violence to create fear; intended to coerce or try to intimidate governments or societies in the pursuit of goals that are generally political, religious or ideological.”
A terrorist act can take on various forms, including bombing, hostage taking, shooting or hijacking a plane. Personnel who work and live aboard MCB Hawaii are encouraged to be wary of suspicious activity.
Although terrorist events are unpredictable, service members and their families can find resources and tips to help them before, during and after a crisis. At the forefront is the Mission Assurance and Force Protection Office, which prepares the base for all emergencies, natural or manmade. The office has various resources available to keep base personnel alert and ready.
The office’s efforts include the recent Exercise Lethal Breeze at Camp H.M. Smith, where personnel trained for various emergency situations.
“The threat of a terrorist act such as 9/11 still exists today,” said Mike Allen, an antiterrorism specialist with the Force Protection Office aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii. “Some of the hardcore terrorist groups have vowed to continue their pursuit (of attacking) Americans and American interests.”
Allen assists with identifying potential threats to the base and implements emergency plans, as well as taking precautions to minimize harm resulting from terrorist activity.
The MCB Hawaii Family Force Protection Plan, which is found on the base website, gives residents tips to handle an emergency. For example, the plan encourages service members and families to “have an up-to-date will, power of attorney and other legal measures that will be useful to family members in an emergency.”
“Crime prevention is the cornerstone of a personal security program,” the plan reads. “By participating in crime watch programs, reporting suspicious activities ... you can lessen the likelihood of a terrorist act affecting you. Don’t leave your crime prevention attitude at home. When you are traveling, remain cautious and alert. Practice crime prevention and continually reinforce what you have learned.”
Personnel who live and work aboard MCB Hawaii can also use the Eagle Eyes program to help identify potential threats and criminal activity, and report activity they deem suspicious. A link to the Eagle Eyes website is located toward the bottom of the base website.
The “CJCS Guide 5260 – Antiterrorism Personal Protection Guide: A Self-Help Guide to Antiterrorism” is also available online through a search engine and provides in-depth information about safety.
In addition, in accordance with DoD Instruction 2000.12, service members, Department of Defense civilians and contractors are required to participate in antiterrorism training. Antiterrorism training is available online at https://atlevel1.dtic.mil/at/. The website is accessible from personal computers.
“Finally, with regard to terrorism awareness, tell everyone, if (you) see something suspicious, say something,” Allen added.
If you see any suspicious activity, call the Provost Marshal’s Office at 257-2123, or 477-7114 if aboard Camp Smith. In an emergency, call 911. For more information, visit http://www.mcbhawaii.marines.mil.