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Remaining vigilant saves lives, helps deter the enemy

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Renni Thornton
  • 451st Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan --  Air Force military members, civilians and contractors working on Kandahar Airfield are reminded to practice operations security.

"The most effective way to deter the enemy is to continually practice anti-terrorism measures," said Master Sgt. Byron Ginn, 451st Air Expeditionary Wing anti-terrorism officer.

"We've all had the training, now we just need to practice what we've learned and stay vigilant."

Listed below are measures Air Force service members, civilians and contractors should practice routinely:

Refrain from discussing work-related operations in public areas on Kandahar Airfield.

"These are places where third-country nationals frequent--people who are not Air Force personnel. By discussing operations in public areas, you are giving the enemy information they don't need to have," said Sergeant Ginn.

Be observant. If someone is doing something that doesn't look right, have the courage to challenge them. Be professional and polite when asking someone to produce their identification if it is not properly displayed. If they can't produce it, call the military police.

Practice proper security procedures. When entering a secured area, remember to cover the code on the cipher lock on the door. All it takes is a split second to observe a code and mimic it later. Don't be the person to help the enemy gain access to valuable information.

Be careful what information is shared on websites, social media sites and cell phones.
Remember that cell phones purchased on KAF are not on a secure network. Often times they can and are being monitored.

Refrain from discussing mission-related information on those phones or emailing what you are doing to family members and loved ones.

Don't reveal too much information about your unit through unsecure communications.
Minimizing the threat of the enemy begins with practicing good operations security, said Sergeant Ginn.