WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- 131st Bomb Wing Guardsmen at Whiteman Air Force Base and Jefferson Barracks are reminded that every Airman is a defender.
“All military personnel have a responsibility to contribute to the safety and defense of the installation,” said Lt. Col. Mark Bradley, 131st Mission Support Group deputy commander and 131st Bomb Wing antiterrorism officer. “If you see something, say something.”
Airmen and their families are encouraged to remember the “SALUTE” acronym when taking notice of events or personnel that seem suspicious. Take note of the Size, type of Activity, Location, Uniform or appearance, Time of activity, and any Equipment. This information will aid law enforcement to investigate – and possibly prevent – threats against us, said Bradley.
Examples of suspicious activity include:
- Attempts to record or monitor activities
- Attempts to gain information about military operations through mail, internet or in-person
- Attempts to assess strengths and weaknesses by measuring reaction times to security breaches
- Suspicious persons out of place, in a workplace, neighborhood, business establishment or elsewhere
- Persons mapping out routes and/or monitoring the timing of traffic lights
- Acquisition of supplies, such as purchasing or stealing explosives, weapons, ammunition, timers or detonators
Suspicious activity should be reported to base security at Jefferson Barracks at (314) 527-8995, and at Whiteman, the 509th Security Forces Squadron, or the Office of Special Investigations at (660) 687-3700.
Security measures around Department of Defense installations remain strong, and leaders continuously analyze and adjust procedures to ensure base facilities and personnel are protected. On occasion, these measures may cause extended wait times at base entry control points.
“We take the safety of our service members, civilians and their families who support them very seriously, and continue to examine ways to make our installations and facilities safer,” said Bradley. “The safety and security of our Guardsmen and of our assets and infrastructure is our highest priority.”