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News | Aug. 3, 2016

August is DLA Antiterrorism Awareness Month

By By DLA Security and Emergency Services

The Defense Logistics Agency recognizes August as Antiterrorism Awareness Month, when the agency promotes and reemphasizes awareness and vigilance throughout the enterprise.

Law enforcement and security professionals need your eyes and ears as a force multiplier to help ensure the safety and security of the DLA workforce and mission. With the recent events in Dallas, Orlando, France and Germany, it is vital for employees to be aware of their surroundings and properly prepared.

Here are a few things all employees should remember:


  1. The threat is real: The FBI reports over 70 terrorist plots against the United States since 9/11. The House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security reports there are currently 800 linked investigations throughout the nation. Military facilities have been the No. 1 target of these plots, followed by New York City and mass gatherings such as the Boston Marathon and a 9/11 memorial event in Kansas City.
  2. Awareness is critical: Knowledge is powerful, and the key to that knowledge is training and preparedness. In support of our DLA Strategic Goal of People and Culture (Objective 2: Fortify Workforce Resiliency), employees are encouraged to use all resources available to protect themselves and their workplace.
  3. “See Something, Say Something”:  Sometimes seemingly benign but odd situations can lead to terrible consequences if they go unreported. The See Something, Say Something motto has contributed to preventing attacks. For example, a Minnesota citizen noticed someone crossing their yard to a storage area and reported the suspicious activity. Authorities eventually charged a 17-year-old with attempted murder, possessing explosives and attempted damage to property. A search revealed he possessed six bombs, seven weapons and 400 rounds of ammunition. His plan to kill his family and classmates was prevented by an aware citizen. 

“Employees should always remain vigilant of their surroundings and look for things out of the ordinary, no matter whether you may think it is trivial” said Tim Kwak, a physical security specialist with DLA Security & Emergency Services. “Although August is Antiterrorism Awareness Month, it doesn’t indicate there is an increased threat,” he noted. “The goal is to stress the importance of people to force themselves to be more cognizant of their surroundings.”

Anyone who witnesses something suspicious should report it, even if they believe the information is incomplete. Even partial reports can help officials investigate and put the puzzle together; what one person may have missed, another person may have reported. A good rule of thumb is: If it causes you to question what you see, report it; it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Stay tuned throughout the month of August for more security awareness articles as well as links to additional information.

DLA iWATCH Website

House Committee on Homeland Security

FBI Resources