Everyday heroes: Eagle Eyes helps fight terrorism

by Airman 1st Class Whitney Tucker
36th Wing Public Affairs

1/4/2012 - ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam -- With the threat of terrorism still ringing hard in the ears of Americans, every citizen, military or civilian, has the opportunity to take action in the ongoing war on terrorism.

The Eagle Eyes program is an Air Force anti-terrorism initiative that enlists the eyes and ears of Department of Defense members and citizens in the war on terror. Eagle Eyes teaches people about the typical activities terrorists engage in to plan their attacks. Armed with this information, anyone can recognize elements of potential terror planning when they see it.

"Eagle Eyes is a global neighborhood watch program," said Special Agent Patrick Morgan, Air Force Office of Special Investigations, Det. 602. "We ask that service members, their families and local citizens stay alert and keep their eyes open for suspicious activity."

"The program is island-wide," Agent Morgan continued. "We want to maintain a proactive stance when it comes to force protection issues, as opposed to reactive. This is a reminder of who we are, what we do and that we must maintain this proactive posture."

No matter how well trained and vigilant our law enforcement and counterterrorism personnel are, they simply cannot be everywhere at all times. Each member of Team Andersen, as well as those of our neighbors in the local community, plays a crucial role in the prevention of terrorism.

"It is a force-multiplier," said Patrick Glasscock, 36th Wing Antiterrorism Office. "It helps the trained professionals, local and federal law enforcement agencies, draw on the military and civilian communities to assist in the war on terror. By being aware of suspicious activity and alerting the proper authorities to investigate, we're making it difficult for terrorists to attack on and off base."

OSI has compiled a list of seven observable activities commonly linked to terrorist planning: surveillance, elicitation, tests of security, acquiring supplies, suspicious persons out of place, conducting a dry run and deploying assets.

"When you see any of the seven signs, it is important to notify leadership, OSI or contact the Law Enforcement desk right away," Agent Morgan said. "It is better to report activity that turns out to be nothing, than not report it and hope for the best. We encourage everyone to call in and up-channel the information regardless of the outcome."

Servicemembers, dependents and local community members have the ability to impact the lives of countless Americans through the Eagle Eyes program. Few initiatives provide participants the chance to become heroes and touch the lives of individuals around the world.

"Eagle Eyes is an avenue to get words out in a timely manner and deals with issues across the board," Agent Morgan said. "Regardless of how irrelevant you think it might be, still always call the 24-hour phone number."

To report any suspicious activity, contact your local OSI office or the Law Enforcement desk.