Constant vigilance force protection’s goal

  • Published
  • By Stephen Delgado
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  We enter a building on base and have to show an identification card, or we notice that the traffic pattern has changed. These are force protection measures made to keep the base safe, and they can change from day to day.

"Force protection levels and changes come from two avenues," said Jonathan Hertwig, 56th Fighter Wing Force Protection chief. "They can come from higher headquarters or can be locally directed. When the direction to change the protection level comes from higher headquarters, it is in response to national or worldwide threat, whereas a local threat may be from information we receive from the Air Force Office of Special Investigations or area law enforcement agencies. The most recent increase to Bravo was directed by the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Bravo is designed to be maintained for long periods of time."

However, there are a number of factors base leadership uses in deciding the course of action taken for various threats.

Leadership bases their protective posture decisions on risk, vulnerability and mission.

"The bottom line is knowing what the acceptable level of risk is," Mr. Hertwig said. "Our leadership isn't making these decisions without understanding the level of pain involved with protection measures. Their top priority is protecting base personnel and assets."
Mr. Hertwig emphasized that when the threat level is elevated, there will be delays in customer service.

"When there are warnings and advisories, we ask people to understand there will be delays in customer service, because section personnel are pulled away from their primary duties to do FPCON measures," he said.

It is easy to feel that base security is mainly the task of security forces, but it is everyone's job, according to Mr. Hertwig.

"It is important for everyone on and off base to be aware of their surroundings," he said. "If you see something that makes you question why it is there, check it out, or call security forces with a detailed report. If you see anything suspicious, call 911, or if off base call the 56th Security Forces Squadron at (623) 856-5970."

It is also important to be operations security conscious. If a member is off base and someone is attempting to acquire detailed information about base patterns, procedures or activities, the member should get as much information as possible and report them to the Air Force Office of Special Investigations at (623) 856-6821 or SFS.

"Also, don't talk about procedures or share information about base programs outside of the base," Mr. Hertwig said. "Always, lock your vehicle and mix up your daily pattern. Don't be predictable."

In addition, the guard towers on Litchfield Road and Glendale Avenue are there to extend the protection of the base, according to Mr. Hertwig.

"The towers are used to monitor and protect the base by allowing us to see outside the perimeter of the base," he said. "We want to ensure our base populace that we are doing everything in our power to keep them safe. Our office coordinates with all other units on base and works with existing programs to provide integrated protection capabilities. Unit commanders provide these capabilities in a unified effort to defend the base."

In all, Mr. Hertwig said it is important to be prepared for constant change.

"Be prepared for frequent changes in security procedures such as getting in and out of the base or single entry into buildings," he said. "These procedures are antiterrorist measures. Unpredictability is one of the most effective deterrent factors in preventing criminal and terrorist activities."