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Basic IDF procedures can save lives

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Renni Thornton
  • 451st Air Expeditionary Wing
Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan --  While it might seem like waste of time to get down on the ground during a rocket attack, that very action may save your life.

The procedure for rocket attacks is listed as part of the Commander, Kandahar Airfield standard operating procedures 360, Indirect Fire Attack, said Master Sgt. Byron Ginn, 451st Air Expeditionary Wing Antiterrorism officer.

"Some people think it's an inconvenience to get down on the ground. That could mean the difference between an injury or death," Sergeant Ginn said.

This is not just guidance, but policy, and Air Force and other servicemembers are required to follow proper procedures for their safety.

"Over the past several months, there have been multiple rocket attacks on Kandahar Airfield. There haven't been many casualties, but unfortunately, many of the injuries to personnel could have been prevented if proper protective procedures were taken."

Military members should understand they can be prosecuted for not following these procedures, he said.

"A military member can be charged with disobeying a lawful order or regulation, Article 92, under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. This is a serious offense," Sergeant Ginn said.

During the last rocket attack, more than 80 people were detained by military police for not following proper procedures.

Sergeant Ginn is tasked with managing the 451st AEW Antiterrorism program.

Currently, everyone in the Air Force, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve is required to complete the computer-based Level 1 Antiterrorism training program before they deploy.

The DoD defines "antiterrorism" as "defensive measures used to reduce the vulnerability of individuals and property to terrorist acts." This is distinct from "counterterrorism," which refers to "offensive measures taken to prevent, deter, and respond to terrorism." Both are part of the DoD concept of 'force protection,' which brings together the security disciplines in a broader program to protect service members, civilian employees, family members, facilities and equipment, he said.

Another protective procedure that military members must be cognizant of is operations security.

"People are talking about work related issues, personnel issues and aircraft issue, and operational things that deal with the work environment in areas like the dining facilities and the Boardwalk, and there are many third-country nationals, and people who are not Air Force personnel, within ear-shot. By discussing operations in public areas, you are giving people information they don't need to have," said Sergeant Ginn.

Sergeant Ginn advised military members to remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings.

"Be observant. If someone is doing something that doesn't look right, have the courage to challenge them. You can be very professional and polite when asking someone to produce their identification if it is not properly displayed. Sometimes people are no longer authorized to be on base. Maybe they no longer work here and managed to get on base. If they can't produce it, ask them to stay there and then call the International Security Assistance Force military police. Trust your instincts," said Sergeant Ginn.

Sergeant Ginn also encourages people to practice proper security procedures.

"When entering a secured area, remember to cover the code on the cipher lock. All it takes is a split second to observe a code and mimic it later. Don't be the person to help someone who could do harm to gain access to valuable information."

Being away from home can be tough and often people want to tell loved ones back home what they are involved in, but be careful what information is shared on Web sites, social media sites and on cell phones, said Maj. Richard Major, 451st AEW intelligence officer.

"People must remember that cell phones purchased here 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 all are doing to family members and loved ones," Maj. Major said.

Sergeant Ginn also echoed the importance of military members here practicing OPSEC.

"One of the biggest threats we must minimize is revealing too much information about what we are doing through unsecure communications. Complacency kills. We must stay vigilant," said Sergeant Ginn.