Shields talks antiterrorism

Commentary by Army Maj. Gen. Michael Shields
U.S. Army Alaska commanding general

7/31/2014 - JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- The protection of our Soldiers, civilian and family members is my greatest concern. The Department of the Army designated August as Antiterrorism Awareness Month.

During this time, the Army promotes its antiterrorism awareness program, iWATCH, which is designed to educate Soldiers, family members and civilians throughout the community about the importance of reporting suspicious activity or behavior to military police or local law enforcement.

I am directing USARAK to focus efforts on the following themes for this year's antiterrorism awareness. This focus will guide commanders and managers on high pay-off tasks that directly support the Army's Antiterrorism Awareness Program:

• Recognize and report suspicious activities - including implementation of Army iWATCH and eGuardian threat reporting.
• Antiterrorism exercises.
• Antiterrorism measures in contracting.
• Reinforce our communities to practice positive operations security.

I also want to emphasize the importance of maintaining our vigilance and situational awareness to guard against a multitude of ongoing threats. Terrorism remains an enduring, persistent, and worldwide threat throughout the Pacific region and our homeland. Terrorism comes in many forms and can happen at any time. Remember, a vigilant effort of detection and prevention is our greatest weapon in the fight against terrorism, high risk behavior and accidents.

"If you see something, say something."

To report suspicious activity on JBER, call the Military Police desk at 907 384-0823.

People, training and equipment are the most basic ingredients of mission success. Our people are our most precious resource. I also believe the glue that bonds people, training and equipment together consists of leadership, teamwork and discipline.