Photo By Senior Airman Olivia Sampson | A graphic illustration highlights the SALUTE reporting framework and the importance of remaining vigilant at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Aug. 25, 2026. SALUTE helps community members provide useful details when reporting suspicious activity by identifying size, activity, location, unit or identifying information, time and equipment. Community vigilance and timely reporting help security personnel assess potential concerns and protect Ramstein’s people and mission. (U.S. Air Force graphic illustration by Senior Airman Olivia Sampson) see less
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Eyes Up: Community vigilance strengthens Ramstein operational security
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany — Kaiserslautern Military Community members can help protect operational security by remaining vigilant and reporting suspicious activity in the area.
The Air Force Eagle Eyes program provides military personnel, civilian employees and community members with resources on recognizing and reporting suspicious activity, including unusual surveillance, attempts to test security measures and drone sightings.
“The community acts as a massive force multiplier,” said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Bradley Cooper, 86th Security Forces Squadron Police Services noncommissioned officer in charge. “Our personnel, families and local civilians live and work in every corner of the Kaiserslautern Military Community. You are the baseline for what looks ‘normal’ making you the first to notice when something is out of place.”
Reports provide the 86th SFS, 569th U.S. Forces Police Squadron and the Air Force Office of Special Investigations information that can help identify activity requiring further attention.
Suspicious activity can include individuals photographing or recording buildings, gates or security features; asking unusually detailed questions about military operations, security or schedules; attempting to bypass or test security measures and unfamiliar vehicles remaining near installation perimeters for extended periods.
Community members do not need to determine whether an observation poses a threat before reporting it. Even a seemingly minor detail may become important when considered with other information.
“Never self-filter,” Cooper said. “It is always better to report and be wrong than to stay silent.”
Providing specific details can help security personnel assess a report. Cooper recommends using the SALUTE framework: size, activity, location, unit or identifying information, time and equipment.
That vigilance also extends to drone activity.
The KMC should report drone or possible drone sightings on or around the installation and allow SFS, OSI and other agencies to determine whether further action is necessary.
Individuals should not approach a suspected drone operator or attempt to shoot down, throw objects at or otherwise interfere with a drone. Early detection and reporting of unmanned aircraft systems helps security personnel assess potential risks to personnel, resources and Ramstein's logistics mission.
“There is no such thing as a ‘bad report,’” Cooper said. “Threat deterrence is a team effort, and community vigilance is our first line of defense. Trust your instincts; if something feels wrong, report it immediately and let the professionals make the determination.”
To report suspicious activity or drone sightings on or around the installation, contact:
Ramstein Security Forces Base Defense Operations Center
DSN: 480-2050
Commercial: +49 (0) 6371-47-2050
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