Remain vigilant as anniversary of 9/11 approaches Published Aug. 25, 2011 By Steven G. Nutt Installation Antiterrorism officer HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah -- Remain vigilant as anniversary of 9/11 approaches Although there has been no specific intelligence indicating an imminent threat, I urge each of you to remain vigilant to the threats of terrorism, especially as we near the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. As many of you may be aware jihadist media sources continue to stress the importance of attacking the homeland during prominent U.S. dates, and has specifically identified the period surrounding the anniversary of 9/11 as a pivotal point to carry out these attacks. Al-Qaida and allied groups continue to pose a threat to the United States. Although it is less severe than the catastrophic proportions of a 9/11-like attack, the threat today is more complex and more diverse than at any time over the past ten years. Al-Qaida or its allies continue to have the capacity to kill dozens, or even hundreds, of Americans in a single attack. I urge each of you to take a moment to review the following list of suspicious activities and keep them in mind. If you witness any of these activities on Hill Air Force Base or in your local community, please take the time to report them through either the U.S. Air Force Eagle Eyes Program by contacting the Base Defense Operations Center at 777-3056, the Utah Terrorism Hotline at 801-579-1400, or if traveling, through the Department of Homeland Security switchboard at 202-282-8000; all reports, on or off the installation, may be made 24 hours a day. 1. Keep an eye out for surveillance: Anyone taking notes or monitoring activities on or off the installation, i.e., someone using cameras, to include cell phone cameras or video recorders inside or outside the perimeter of the installation, near schools, malls, sporting events or other similar mass gathering venues. 2. Beware of elicitation: This is anyone surreptitiously attempting to gain information by mail, telephone, facsimile or in person about military operations, missions and personnel, or attempts to gain in-depth information about security at a particular facility or public event. 3. Recognize tests of security: These are attempts to measure reaction times to security breaches or to bypass physical security measures or procedures. 4. Acquiring supplies: This is generally the purchasing or theft of explosives, weapons, ammunition, uniforms, decals, flight manuals, passes or badges, the equipment to manufacture them or any other controlled items. 5. Look for suspicious persons out of place: People that appear out of place around the work center, neighborhood or anywhere else. You know better than anyone who should be in your work areas, communities and neighborhoods and when things are out of place or suspicious. 6. Dry runs: Placing operatives in position and essentially practicing or exercising a terrorist incident (dress rehearsal). This could also be someone mapping out routes or determining the timing of traffic lights and flow. 7. Deployment of assets: People and supplies being positioned to commit the terrorist act. This is the last opportunity to alert authorities before the terrorist act occurs. If it doesn't look right -- report it! Force Protection is everyone's business - Everyone is a sensor - If you see something, then say something!