Security, community team up with Eagle Eyes

  • Published
  • By Special Agent Kjersti MacKubbin
  • Air Force Office of Special Investigations
NAVAL AIR STATION FORT WORTH JOINT RESERVE BASE, TEXAS --  In the wake of 9/11 attacks the United States found that its enemies possessed the capability to carry out terrorist attacks on American soil with little regard for themselves. In response, the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI) established the Eagle Eyes program.

The program focuses on understanding that many acts of terrorism require careful planning and are often rehearsed in advance. By utilizing the entirety of its force, the Air Force can have "eyes" beyond its specialized units through Eagle Eyes.

People need to understand there are far too many ways for someone to conduct surveillance or elicit information. Military members need to know what to look for. The Eagle Eyes program has identified some specific areas that may be possible predictors of terrorist acts or malicious intent.

Information can be extracted in many seemingly harmless ways. Something as simple such as taking photographs of the base or license plates can provide a tremendous amount of information if ran through certain databases. Names, addresses, social security numbers, names of relatives and even phone numbers are among them if base members aren't vigilant and willing to report suspicious incidents.

Elicitation of information pertaining to military operations, capabilities or people is another common indicator military members should be cautious of. This can occur anywhere; the local supermarket, in a college class, at the gas station or on internet social networks such as Facebook or LinkedIn. In bars and nightclubs, intoxicated individuals sometimes forget what they can and cannot say. Those eliciting information know this, and may buy drinks to get the information they want.

Aside from making a point not to divulge sensitive information, service members must also be aware that there are other signs terrorist attacks may be about to occur that don't directly affect them. Installations security tests, the acquiring of supplies, suspicious persons who seem out of place, dry runs and actual deployment of persons and assets to commit an act of terrorism are all things that should be immediately reported to Security Forces, Anti-Terrorism Office or AFOSI.

Basically, anything that doesn't seem right should be reported to Security Forces, Anti-Terrorism Office or AFOSI as soon as possible and they will determine what needs to be done. They would rather get the call and talk to the person rather than attempt to track them down when the incident happened hours or days earlier.

The Eagle Eyes program requires a high level of cooperation between the military base and the community to be a successful one. Those who live and work in a community know those things that belong and don't belong, so please report the latter!

For more information about the Eagle Eyes Program, contact Special Agent Kjersti MacKubbin at AFOSI Det. 118, 817-782-7969 or James Pettus, 301st FW anti-terrorism officer. To report any activities contact the joint police department law enforcement desk at 817-782-5200 which is open 24/7.