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LESSON 3

MILITARY POLICE RESPONSE TO A BOMB THREAT

OVERVIEW

LESSON DESCRIPTION:

In this lesson you will be presented with an overview of the military police responsibilities and concerns with regard to bomb threats.

INTRODUCTION

Bomb threats or bomb incidents are real threats to the physical security of military installations. A physical security program must include bomb threat planning in accordance with FM 19-30. It should also have a local bomb threat standing operating procedure (SOP). The military police patrol supervisor should be familiar with, and have access to, the local SOP and FM 19-30 to aid in responding to a bomb threat. Concern must be directed toward protection and assistance of the military community. Supervisors are responsible for leadership and guidance for those assigned.

Definitions.

Bomb - a bomb is a device capable of producing damage to material, and injury or death to personnel, when detonated or ignited. Bombs are classified as explosive or incendiary. An explosive bomb causes damage by fragmentation, heat, and blast wave; the heat produced often causes secondary incendiary effect. An incendiary bomb generates fire--producing heat without substantial explosion when ignited. Bombing occurs when an explosive bomb detonates, or an incendiary bomb ignites.

Bomb threat - A bomb threat is a message delivered by any means, warning or claiming the presence of one or more bombs. The message may or may not specify the location of a bomb; the time for detonation/ignition; or contain an ultimatum related to the detonation/ignition or concealment of the bomb.

Bomb incident - Any occurrence involving the detonation/ignition of a bomb, the discovery of a bomb, or the execution of a bomb threat.

Countermeasures - Those steps taken to minimize the production and placement of bombs and to reduce the disruption of bomb threats.

Motives of Bomber.

Security threats are defined as any human or natural conditions that could disrupt the installation or facility; cause damage, loss or destruction of property; cause personal injury or loss of life; and possibly compromise defense information. A bombing is classified as a human threat. Human threats are the result of state of mind, attitude, weakness, or character trait. Of concern is what motivates a bomber to display such destructive behavior. While it is unlikely that understanding this type human behavior will lead to measures that eliminate the threat, an awareness enhances the response to a bomb threat. This lesson covers only a few motives, (personal animosity, suicide, extortion, pranks, etc.) to be considered when a threat is encountered.

Labor disputes: Although most labor disputes are settled peaceably, there are always a few exceptions. When union members strike, attacks are aimed at strike breakers and the employer.

Politics: Bombings are psychological tools designed to instill fear and submission. Bombing embassies, postal services, cars of government officials, and mass transportation are only a few examples. Beirut, Lebanon is perhaps the modern day classic example of politically motivated bombings.

Civil rights: Issues ranging from school desegregation to abortion protests have resulted in bombing attacks as a means of grievance redress.

Antiwar: The Vietnam era antiwar protestors ironically used violent behavior such as bombings to protest U.S. war involvement. Violence was used as an attempt to curtail violence.

Racketeering: Criminals involved in illegal drug and gambling activities use bombings as a coercive measure.

Likely Targets.

Motives are numerous, so are potential targets. Targets may either be selected at random or with care. Potential targets include but are not limited to:

• Persons.

• Military installations and activities.

• Public utilities.

• Vehicles.

• Public safety buildings.

• Schools.

• Public communications facilities.

• Residents.

• Commercial operations.

Upon receipt of an order to have patrols help clear a building, the patrol supervisor must ensure that the procedures are calm, orderly, and courteous, but firm.

• Evacuate occupants over 100 meters from the building or suspected bomb site.

• Use evacuation teams to guide occupants out of the area.

• Do Not use military police as members of the search team.

Establish roadblocks: When it is determined by the bomb scene officer that danger is imminent, roadblocks should be set up to reroute vehicles and pedestrians.

• Place roadblocks at least 100 meters from the affected building.

• Keep unauthorized persons out of the area.

• Notify the MP operations center by telephone:

• When foot and vehicular traffic have been detoured.

• If backup patrols are needed.

• When the area is declared safe by the bomb scene officer.

Bomb Scene Supervision.

Arrival at the scene.

• When the patrol supervisor has been dispatched to a bomb scene, the vehicle should be stopped at least 50 meters from the building. Radio or telephones should not be used within the 50 meter radius since such signals may detonate some bomb devices.

• Place a radio call to the desk or military police operations center giving exact location from a safe distance.

Building evacuation. Military police do not have the authority to order the evacuation of a building. The supervisor of the building concerned, the bomb scene officer, or senior person in the building has that authority.

Departing the scene. Remain at the scene until the area has been declared safe and conditions are normal. The bomb scene officer or other individuals designated by local authority has the authority to declare the building safe. Military police do not declare an area safe.