Rear Detachment Commander Computer-Based Training

Module 12: FORCE PROTECTION

Table of Contents
1. FORCE PROTECTION ...................................................................................................................... 1 1.1. FORCE PROTECTION CONDITIONS: RESPONSIBILITIES .................................................................... 1 1.1.1. Force Protection Posture ....................................................................................................... 1 1.1.2. Homeland Security Advisory System ...................................................................................... 2 1.1.3. Actions and Responsibilities ................................................................................................... 2 1.1.4. Force Protection Briefings ..................................................................................................... 3 1.2. FORCE PROTECTION CONDITIONS: CRITERIA .................................................................................. 3 1.2.1. Force Protection Awareness................................................................................................... 3 1.2.2. Reference ................................................................................................................................ 5 1.3. THE KEY POINTS FROM FORCE PROTECTION POSTURE:.......................................................... 6

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FORCE PROTECTION

To enable Rear Detachment Commanders to demonstrate the performance steps required to explain the RDC's responsibilities during Force Protection conditions, and outline criteria concerning Force Protection conditions.

1.1.

Force Protection Conditions: Responsibilities

Sources: http://at-awareness.org/ Antiterrorism Brief, Level 1

Resources for the RDC: TRADOC Reg 525-13, United States Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) Force Protection Program (FPP) AR 190-51, Security of Unclassified Army Property AR 525-13, Antiterrorism Force Protection: Security of Personnel, Information, and Critical Resources FM 101-5, Staff Organization and Operations FM 41-10, Civil Affairs Operations JP 3-07.2, Joint Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures for Antiterrorism

1.1.1. Force Protection Posture Force Protection Conditions used by Department of Defense United States military facilities use a variety of protective measures to reduce vulnerability to terrorist attack. These measures are organized in a system called Force Protection Conditions, or FPCONs. As the threat of attack changes, the FPCON changes to protect Department of Defense (DoD) service members, civilians, and family members. The routine security measures at a specific installation are called FPCON Normal. Although terrorists could attack at any time, the best information available indicates only routine security measures are needed. Commanders design protective measures appropriate for the local situation. They can apply additional protective measures and move to a higher FPCON as needed. 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. Commanders take steps to increase awareness and limit access to military facilities. Response procedures are reviewed and random checks are increased. You can expect random vehicle checks and enhanced crime prevention efforts. When the FPCON increases, you should be alert for suspicious activity and reduce your personal exposure.

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FPCON Bravo applies when an increased or more predictable threat of terrorist activity exists. Sustaining FPCON Bravo measures for a prolonged period may affect operational capability and impact relations with the local community. In addition to FPCON Alpha measures, commanders will increase ID checks and inspections of facilities, deliveries, and packages. Some traffic will be restricted and vehicle barriers emplaced. You can expect to experience some delays due to ID checks and vehicle inspections. There will be more guards on your installation, and you may receive special instructions or duties to enhance security. You should be extra alert, limit public exposure, and think about personal plans in the case of an incident. FPCON Charlie applies when an incident occurs or intelligence is received indicating that some form of terrorist action or targeting against personnel or facilities is likely. FPCON Charlie measures will create hardship and affect the activities of the unit and its personnel. In FPCON Charlie, commanders continue all FPCON Bravo measures and further restrict access to military facilities, increase barriers against vehicle attacks, and increase random security patrols. In addition to inconvenient delays, you can expect special instructions and additional duties to support unit security. For example, be prepared for extra security checks and emergency response drills. You should significantly limit after work activities, reduce public exposure, and review personal emergency action plans. 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. FPCON Delta is rare, and, if it occurs, you should expect to suspend normal activities and adopt an alert, defensive posture. Immediately check with your leadership for instructions. 1.1.2. Homeland Security Advisory System In March 2002, the Homeland Security Advisory System was created to better inform the American public of changes in the threat of domestic terrorism. This five-level color code system is adjusted at both national and local levels based on intelligence and law enforcement information. The Homeland Security Advisory System applies only to the United States and its territories. It is distinct from the military-oriented Force Protection Conditions and Defense Intelligance Agency (DIA) Threat Levels; however, like the military systems, it may trigger additional security measures at Federal buildings and increased law enforcement activity. 1.1.3. Actions and Responsibilities There is no more important responsibility than force protection. It is an inherent command responsibility and must be fully integrated into every unit's

Rear Detachment Commander Course

mission. A commander must continually review his unit's force-protection posture and crosswalk it with current and changing policy and threat levels. Force protection demands the personal involvement of commanders to ensure the best possible security consistent with the threat to personnel and mission-essential resources. (Source: AR 525-13) Force protection consists of those actions that prevent or mitigate hostile actions against DoD personnel (to include family members), resources, facilities, and critical information. It coordinates and synchronizes offensive and defensive measures to enable the joint force to perform while degrading opportunities for the enemy. It includes air, space, and missile defense; nuclear-biological-chemical (NBC) defense; antiterrorism; defensive-information operations; and security to operational forces and means. The G-3 of each installation will be able to provide a contact for the RDC when it comes to Force Protection. It is a joint effort between the installation and the major commands. Be sure to follow the guidance of higher headquarters when fulfilling RDC duties as it pertains to Force Protection. 1.1.4. Force Protection Briefings Sources: US Army 81st RSC, Force Protection Brief

Resources for the RDC: See the Army Training Support Center (www.atsc.army.mil) for information on Force Protection. Relevant materials include: Training Support Package 071-T-3412, Force Protection Special Text, 2-91.2, Intelligence Support to the Installation Commanders Antiterrorism (AT) and Force Protection (FP) Programs Training 331-305-2051, Prepare a Force Protection Plan The G-3 of each installation will be able to provide a contact for the RDC when it comes to Force Protection. It is a joint effort between the installation and the major commands. Be sure to follow the guidance of higher headquarters when fulfilling RDC duties as it pertains to Force Protection.

1.2.

Force Protection Conditions: Criteria

1.2.1. Force Protection Awareness The RDC is responsible for promoting Force Protection awareness. Department of Defense (DoD) policy requires that all DoD military and civilian personnel and supporting defense contractors receive an Antiterrorism/Force Protection (AT/FP) briefing before travel to any destination outside the United States (except Guam and Midway Island). DoD contractors are to provide their personnel working on contracts outside the United States with AT/FP awareness information commensurate with that which DoD provides to its military and civilian personnel and their families.

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If the travel is to a moderate, significant, or high-threat area, DoD requires that the AT/FP briefing be supplemented by a recent update on threats in the specific area of travel. Updated threat information on specific countries is readily available from the State Department. On the Internet, go http://travel.state.gov, and then click on Travel Warnings and Consular Information Sheets. Country-specific threat information is also available from the State Department by telephone at (202) 6475225 or by fax at (202) 647-3000. For additional information on DoD policy and procedures, see the Department of Defense antiterrorism assistance web site at www.dtic.mil/jcs/force_protection. This site includes links to commander-in-chief (CINC) and/or theater-specific requirements. Although antiterrorism training cannot guarantee safety, it will make personnel more aware of surroundings, help to avoid becoming a terrorist target, and improve the chances of emerging unharmed if targeted. The DoD defines "antiterrorism" as "defensive measures used to reduce the vulnerability of individuals and property to terrorist acts." This is distinct from "counterterrorism," which refers to "offensive measures taken to prevent, deter, and respond to terrorism. Both are part of the DoD concept of "force protection," which brings together all the security disciplines in a broader program to protect service members, civilian employees, family members, facilities, and equipment. The DoD uses a standardized set of terms to describe the Terrorism Threat Level in each country. These terms are Low, Moderate, Significant, and High. The Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) also sets the Terrorism Threat Level for each country based on analysis of all available information. Commanders at all levels use the DIA Terrorism Threat Level plus their own threat analyses as a basis for developing plans and programs to protect assets within their area of responsibility. These are called Force Protection Conditions. A Force Protection Condition is a set of specific security measures promulgated by the commander after considering a variety of factors including the threat level, current events that might increase the risk, observed suspicious activities, etc. There is a graduated series of Force Protection Conditions, or FPCONs, ranging from FPCON Normal to FPCON Delta. There is a process by which commanders at all levels can raise or lower the FPCONs based on local conditions, specific threat information and/or guidance from higher headquarters. The four FPCONs above normal are: FPCON Alpha: This condition applies when there is a general threat of possible terrorist activity against personnel and facilities, the nature and extent of which are unpredictable, and circumstances do not justify full implementation of FPCON Bravo measures. The measures in this FPCON must be capable of being maintained indefinitely. FPCON Bravo: This condition applies when an increased and more predictable threat of terrorist activity exists. The measures in this FPCON must be capable of being maintained for weeks without causing undue hardship, affecting operational capability, and aggravating relations with local authorities. FPCON Charlie: This condition applies when an incident occurs or intelligence is received indicating some form of terrorist action against personnel and facilities is imminent. Implementation of measures in this FPCON for more than a short period Rear Detachment Commander Course 4

probably will create hardship and affect the peacetime activities of the unit and its personnel. FPCON Delta: This condition 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 likely. Normally, this FPCON is declared as a localized condition. Terrorist incidents over the years show a trend toward ever-increasing numbers of attacks and sophistication in methods. Such actions occur rather routinely in some parts of the world, and almost anyone can become a potential victim. The attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon have shown that these attacks can occur within the United States as well. On March 3, 1998, Islamic terrorist financier Osama bin Laden issued an antiAmerican "fatwa," or religious ruling, in which all Muslims were openly invited to undertake terrorist attacks against American civilians and allied interests worldwide. This "fatwa" does not differentiate between Americans dressed in military uniforms and civilians. We are all targets. The stated goal is to send the bodies of Americans home "in wooden boxes and coffins." All personnel, especially those who travel regularly, must take the threat of terrorism seriously. It is now clear that no U.S. outpost or installation can be considered a low security risk. All U.S. Government employees and supporting contractors are urged to intensify personal security practices while on travel outside the U.S.

1.2.2. Reference 1. Information in this module is from the following sources: Joint Staff Guide 5260, Service Member's Personal Protection Guide: A Self-Help Handbook to Combating Terrorism. Publications of the Overseas Security Advisory Council, a joint venture between State Department and private sector security professionals designed to exchange security-related information pertaining to foreign travel. Antiterrorism briefing developed by Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command and available at www.spawar.navy.mil/sandiego/security/FP-AT, and DoD Instruction 2000.16, DoD Antiterrorism Standards. 2. DoD Directive 2000.12, DoD Antiterrorism/Force Protection (AT/FP) Program.

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1.3.

The key points from FORCE PROTECTION POSTURE:

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. FPCON Bravo applies when an increased or more predictable threat of terrorist activity exists. Sustaining FPCON Bravo measures for a prolonged period may affect operational capability and impact relations with the local community. 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. FPCON Charlie measures will create hardship and affect the activities of the unit and its personnel. 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.

The key points from FORCE PROTECTION BRIEFINGS: Executing Force Protection responsibilities Coordinating Force Protection briefings Identifying mandatory and suggested Force Protection briefings The G-3 of each installation will be able to provide a contact for the RDC when it comes to Force Protection. It is a joint effort between the installation and the major commands. Be sure to follow the guidance of higher headquarters when fulfilling RDC duties as it pertains to Force Protection.

The key points from FORCE PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS: The RDC is responsible for: Identifying Force Protection requirements for unofficial group travel Explaining in loco parentis scenarios Explaining post privileges Explaining visitation for on-post housing Explaining vehicle registration and insurance requirements Explaining installation access Promoting Force Protection awareness Training is available at https://atlevel1.dtic.mil/at/

Rear Detachment Commander Course