Diligence, Vigilance, and Common Sense Published Dec. 18, 2009 By Lt. Matthew Murphy 161st Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs Phoenix Sky Harbor Air National Guard Base -- During the holiday season it is easy to become complacent or distracted by events and all the many "to do" items on our lists. In the fight against global terrorism, those who may wish to do harm are ever watching and know this may be a time of weakness for service members and their families. Now, it is even more important to remain diligent, vigilant, and use common sense as you are carrying out your day-to-day activities and reporting to work, traveling, or performing other duties and tasks. While there are currently no indications of specific or direct targeting of the 161st Air Refueling Wing or its affiliated personnel, potential threats in the greater Phoenix area do exist. These potential threats are monitored by the Threat Working Group and additional resources are available to assist in the monitoring and reporting of potentially adverse situations. Service members and their families may report any suspected or suspicious activity through the Eagle Eyes program to base Security Forces at 602-302-9133. Every citizen, military or civilian, can have a positive effect in the ongoing war on terrorism. The Eagle Eyes program is an anti-terrorism initiative that enlists the eyes and ears of Air Force members and citizens in local community against the war on terror. The foundation of the Eagle Eyes program is the education of our airmen and local population about typical activities terrorists engage in prior to an attack. Armed with this information, you can recognize elements of potential terrorist activities when you see them. Your involvement in the Eagle Eyes program is critical in the war on terrorism. Law enforcement relies on our citizen's participation as a means of detection and deterrence. You play a vital role in detecting, deterring and preventing acts of terrorism. It's your eyes and ears, your sense of why something is unusual or out of place, that can prevent acts of terrorism. After all, you are the expert on what activities do, or do not, belong in your neighborhood and community. Everyone at the 161st ARW and the surrounding community is considered part of the anti-terrorism team; as such you can report information 24 hours a day. Your information is immediately shared with appropriate law enforcement agencies and military commanders for action. Everyone is encouraged to stay alert whether at home, work or even while driving. Always keep an Eagle Eye out for suspicious behaviors such as: Surveillance - The act of someone recording or monitoring activities using camera equipment, taking notes, drawing maps or using binoculars or any other vision enhancement devices. Elicitation - Anyone or any organization attempting to gain information or in person about military operations or its personnel. Test of Security - Any attempts to measure reaction times to security breaches or to penetrate physical security barriers. Acquiring Supplies - Purchasing, or even stealing weapons, explosives, uniforms, vehicle decals and even Department of Defense identification media. Suspicious Persons out of Place - People who just don't seem to belong there. This could be the individual asking questions you know they do not have the need to know. An individual sitting outside the base perimeter fence in their car watching personnel entering and exiting the base. Dry Runs - Putting people in position and moving them about without actually committing the terrorist act. Deploying Assets - This would be the final behavior before the terrorist act. People and supplies are put in place to commit the terrorist act. This would also be your last chance to alert authorities before terrorism occurs. The holidays can be a stressful period for some, so be aware of any sudden, unexplained personality changes in people you are in regular contact with. When traveling (even in the local area), vary your routes, be wary of someone following or watching you and notify a family member, friend or supervisor if you are taking a trip. Let them know when you leave and when you arrive at your destination and do the same for the return trip. Remember it is the 161 ARW/CC's policy to file a Force Protection Personal Travel Plan with the Antiterrorism Office if traveling to Mexico. Your Wing Antiterrorism Representative can help you with the template and actions to complete the plan.