RIA-JMTC observes Antiterrorism Awareness Month

Courtesy Photo | iWATCH Army, a modern day terrorist-focused neighborhood watch program, remains a vital element of our antiterrorism community awareness program. Army commands are encouraged to promote active iWATCH efforts and to encourage community members to report suspicious activity and indicators of high-risk behavior. (Photo Credit: Courtesy Dept. of the Army)  

ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL, IL, UNITED STATES

08.18.2017

Courtesy Story

Rock Island Arsenal-Joint Manufacturing and Technology Center

A lone gunman in black enters an office building. He walks unsuspectedly between cubicles and office spaces, then suddenly pulls a shotgun out of his backpack and starts firing at the people closest to him. Employees panic, getting out of their chairs, wandering with confused and frightened looks on their faces.
This is the start of a video shown by the safety office and the Volunteer Protection Program (VPP) at Rock Island Arsenal - Joint Manufacturing and Technology Center (RIA-JMTC). The intended recipients are new employees, undergoing an orientation to get acquainted with the post’s safety procedures. Throughout the month of August, the safety office and the VPP focus their efforts on renewing antiterrorism training to the workforce at large.
August is Antiterrorism Awareness Month which stresses the importance of constant situational awareness practiced by all personnel.
People generally do not bother thinking about the dangers they could be in when it comes to something like a terrorist attack, said Ed Peterson, security specialist, RIA-JMTC. They usually only think of safety procedures while they are under attack.
The security office at RIA-JMTC helps the workforce stay constantly aware of their surroundings and understand the need for personal security, using material from the U.S. Army’s iWATCH Program.
iWATCH is the Army’s version of the Neighborhood Watch program. Its purpose is to ensure Army personnel are aware of the signs that could point to an impending terrorist attack and report the incidents.
Dan Bowman, security specialist, VPP, RIA-JMTC, simplifies the program’s lessons down to one catchphrase, “See something, say something.” If any employee witnesses suspicious activity in or around the installation, they should call 9-1-1 and report the incident immediately to the authorities.
The security office also emails an “Antiterrorism Thought of the Day” daily in August, encouraging the workforce with tips and guidance about how to stay safe as well as awareness of terrorism tactics. These reminders and antiterrorism training not only focus on what could happen at the Arsenal, but also what could happen in the home or in public places terrorists might target. Everyone should be constantly aware of their surroundings, no matter where they are, scanning and analyzing their environment. They can question the safety measures of an area by asking themselves:
● Can the door to the room I am in be locked?
● Where can I hide in an emergency?
● What can I use to fight back if I cannot hide or run?
● Are there multiple exits?
Terrorist attacks are not limited to physical acts. Cyber attacks can also be used to endanger the United States and the mission of the United States Army. Part of the antiterrorism training at RIA-JMTC includes information on how to prevent phishing scams that could compromise crucial information and malware attacks that could jeopardize the installation’s mission.
The video shown to new employees on antiterrorism safety teaches people to “Run,” “Hide,” and “Fight ” in an active shooter situation. Those who are trapped inside a building should first try to run away from the scene and leave the building. If they are unable to run, they should find a place inside the building to hide. Workers are taught to focus on finding windowless rooms and blocking access to the room, using locks or furniture. If unable to run away or hide from the shooter, it is best to find objects and tactics to fight off the active shooter.
Though August is a time where the Army focuses on antiterrorism awareness, the RIA-JMTC facility practices vigilance every day. Terrorism is a real threat that can impact the mission and put a countless lives in jeopardy. The RIA-JMTC community understands the importance of safeguarding the mission, and workers are committed to defending the country here at the Nation’s Arsenal.

• Date Taken: 08.18.2017
• Date Posted: 08.18.2017 11:46
• Story ID: 245255
• Location: ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL, IL, US