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APPENDIX B - INDIVIDUAL PROTECTIVE MEASURES FOR U.S. MILITARY PERSONNEL
EXPERIENCE HAS SHOWN THAT ALERTNESS, COUPLED WITH COMMON SENSE AND PERSONAL INITIATIVE IN TAKING SECURITY PRECAUTIONS, IS THE BEST DETERRENT TO TERRORIST ATTACKS AGAINST INDIVIDUALS.
** This handout is intended to acquaint you with security measures that will help protect, and possibly prevent, your dependents and you from becoming victims of terrorism.
** Normally undefended, easily identifiable and accessible, US military personnel are, by nature and practice, "soft" targets; making them vulnerable to terrorist attack.
** Terrorists have been responsible for detonating bombs in crowded public places; hijacking commercial aircraft and holding passengers for ransom; and assaulting, kidnapping, and assassinating, diplomats, military personnel, and business executives. Total protection from acts of terrorism is obviously impossible, but basic common sense and the ability to react can significantly reduce the likelihood of a successful terrorist attack.
** Terrorists strike when and where they sense their targets to be most vulnerable and are most successful when personal security measures are lax and daily routines are predictable.
** The terrorist threat varies from country to country. Therefore, defensive measures should be considered in direct relationship to the likelihood of terrorist activity in the country where you are assigned or traveling.
REALIZE THE SECURITY IMPACT ON YOUR TRAVEL ITINERARY
** ESTABLISH POINTS OF CONTACT. Beginning with your arrival on foreign soil, someone should know your whereabouts at all times. Let your contact know when you arrive in-country and your travel plans, and keep him abreast of any changes that may occur.
** AVOID REVEALING PLANS. Use discretion in revealing personal plans during conversations.
** CARRY IDENTIFICATION. When asked for identification, give only the information requested. Never surrender your entire wallet or purse nor leave your wallet/purse unattended. Carry identification that gives your blood type as well as any special medical condition or medication requirement. Keep on-hand at least a one-week supply of essential medicines.
** KNOW WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES. Memorize emergency telephone numbers and know how to use the local telephone system. Have a basic vocabulary in the language of the area. Know phrases such as: "I need a doctor/policeman," "Where is the hospital/police station?", and "HELP!"
** AVOID ROUTINE SCHEDULES. Routine schedules are easy to follow. Be particularly sensitive to the possibility of surveillance. Arrival and departure times, as well as the routes taken to and from work/home, should be varied as often as possible. Different vehicles should be used to make targeting more difficult. For official business, consideration should be given to using unmarked government vehicles where available.
** AVOID WEARING MILITARY UNIFORMS. During periods of travel and recreation, wearing military uniforms could attract unwanted attention.
** KEEP A LOW PROFILE. Clothes, automobiles, and other outward vestiges of nationality should not contrast vividly with those of the country to which you are assigned or in which you are traveling. Clothing should not give the impression of wealth or importance (DO NOT FLASH LARGE SUMS OF MONEY).
** AVOID GOING OUT ALONE. Since there is usually safety in numbers, avoid going out alone. Form groups of three or more in public to deny an attractive target-of-opportunity.
** AVOID SHORTCUTS WHEN WALKING. Walk only on well-lighted, heavily traveled streets whenever possible. Avoid shortcuts through alleys. Walk in the middle of the sidewalk. If, while walking, you are threatened by the occupants of a car, seek help by running in the direction opposite to that in which the car is traveling. If approached by a suspicious looking person on foot, cross the street or change direction.
** SHUN PUBLICITY. Shun publicity in the local news media. It is important that home addresses and telephone numbers of DOD personnel be safeguarded. Personal and background information concerning family members should also be withheld.
** AVOID CIVIL DISTURBANCES. Every effort should be made to avoid civil disturbances or disputes with local citizens. Bear in mind that in some forms of violence, such as demonstrations, taking refuge in a telephone booth may offer some protection.
** AVOID TAKING STREET-LEVEL ROOMS AND USING STAIRWELLS. When checking into a guesthouse, avoid street-level rooms. In buildings, use elevators rather than risk attack in stairwells. Stand near the elevator control panel and, if threatened, push the alarm button.
** SAFEGUARD YOUR KEYS. Never leave keys in coat pockets. If keys to your residence are lost, have locks changed.
** ESTABLISH CODES AND SIGNALS. Establish a simple verbal code and/or hand signals to alert family or organizational members of danger.
SAFEGUARDS REGARDING VEHICLES
** Drive on well-lighted streets at night.
** Never pick up hitchhikers.
** Lock your car when unattended. If it is necessary to park your car in a commercial facility, leave only the ignition key with the parking attendant.
** Park your car in a locked garage, protected area, or at least off the street.
** Drive toward the center of the road on multiple-lane highways to make it more difficult for your car to be forced to the curb.
** Signal for police assistance if your car breaks down in an unfamiliar area. Raise the hood and trunk and remain in the car with doors locked and windows rolled up.
** Use unmarked vehicles whenever possible, preferably locally- produced models similar to those commonly used by the local populace.
** Do not wear military headgear denoting rank. Insignia should be concealed while traveling in vehicles in high threat areas.
** Be alert to surveillance while traveling in automobiles.
