Keep your (eagle) eyes open Published Sept. 13, 2009 By James Pettus 301 FW Anti-terrorism Officer NAS JRB FT WORTH, TEXAS -- Imagine standing on a hill overlooking a serene, open field. A breeze is lightly blowing and the weather is just right for a pleasant fall day. The air is so clear, you can see for miles. Then, from the horizon, you see a plane flying lower than it should be. As it gets closer, your eyes widen when you realize that the plane is upside down. You can see the terrified faces of the people in the window as the plane crashes and explodes in the field in front of you. On September 11th, I urge you to take time to remember the sacrifices of our military, and the sacrifices of our families. It seems many Americans have already forgotten. September 11th was America's "Wake-up Call", so why have so many Americans gone back to sleep? In just eight years since the worst terrorist attack on American soil, people have forgotten or have chosen to not be bothered and returned to their busy lives. I recently attended an Antiterrorism Officer's workshop and had the opportunity to visit Shanksville, Pennsylvania. In the midst of the secluded serene rolling plains lies the final resting place for the hero's of United Flight 93. I don't know how many of you have ever visited the site but it was one of my most humbling experiences. To understand the commitment and dedication these ordinary citizens offered in just a matter of minutes is unconceivable. Until that fateful day it was unimaginable that terrorist would use our transit system and our own citizens as tools of terror. But they did, and in the last eight years, our nation's vigilance has deterred any further attacks. Eight years later we still need our nation's vigilance. You are part of that. Be the eyes and ears of NAS JRB Fort Worth and America. Every one is a sensor. Vigilance requires everyone. We, not just you or I, need to prevent future nefarious acts from occurring. The best ways to stop an attack from occurring is to be aware and report it! Use the Eagle Eyes program. Report it to your nearest Law Enforcement, the Emergency Control Center (817-782-5200), AFOSI (817-782-7969), or the 301 FW Antiterrorism Officer (817-782-7365). You may save lives! How to see with Eagle Eyes: Surveillance: Someone recording or monitoring activities. For example, a suspicious person standing at the front gate or the perimeter fence line watching our operations. Elicitation: Someone asking questions about military operations, numbers of military deployed, base entry procedures, when a deployed unit is returning; all this information is valuable for enemy intelligence. It can be difficult to know when you are being elicited. Practice OPSEC at all times. For example, someone asking questions at a local restaurant or waiting at an airport. Tests of Security: Any measuring of the reactionary time of security is a test. For example, sending unauthorized personnel through control points, over fences or our front gate or flight line. Acquiring Supplies: The theft of military identifications, purchasing detonators, purchasing military uniforms or timers may be an indicator. Suspicious persons out of place: People who just don't belong. For example, a contractor walking around a building, a new person delivering mail or a new vendor. Trust your instincts. Ask questions or report it. Dry run: The enemy is putting their people into position and practicing without committing the act. Deploying assets: This is your last chance. The event is likely to occur soon. Personnel loading vehicles with explosives or weapons, leaving suspiciously parked vehicles or people who don't belong in the area acting nervous or anxious.