ATFP office relies on units’ “eyes and ears”

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Brian Jones
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  While the 39th Air Base Wing Anti-Terrorism/Force Protection Office manages the base's ATFP program, the overall success of their efforts depends on commanders, unit ATFP representatives, and Team Incirlik as a whole, to be the "eyes and ears" of their work centers.

One area where the ATFP office relies on unit monitors is implementing the Random Anti-terrorism Measure program.

"The phrases heard most often in reference to ATFP are: 'Every Airman is a sensor' and 'ATFP is everyone's responsibility.' Saying that, we rely most heavily on the AT monitors for each squadron to oversee the RAM program and the personnel performing the RAMs to do them well and with the knowledge that they are doing something vital to the security of the installation," said Capt. Patrick McVay, 39th ABW ATFP chief. "Ensuring that RAMs are conducted and documented is a large part of what is expected of AT monitors, but helping personnel understand that performing RAMs actually enhances base security in a very real way is what makes doing them meaningful."

Another avenue to help Airmen understand their role in force protection is through annual ATFP Level One training. Unit training and ATFP monitors are vital to making sure Incirlik Airmen meet this requirement.

"We continually track level-one training and rely on unit training monitors, AT reps and squadron commanders to ensure Airmen are receiving this training," said Master Sgt. Paul Jackson, 39th ABW ATFP superintendent. "This is a yearly requirement, but it must also be accomplished upon arrival to Incirlik because the threat here is a real one."

"The training ensures people are aware of the threat and refreshes their outlook on the environment they work, travel and play in while they are stationed at Incirlik," said Captain McVay.

Airmen can access the training through the ATFP link on the Source.

It's been said that nothing has happened until it's been documented. Documenting the performance of RAMs, facility discrepancies and the appointment of unit representatives is crucial to the ATFP program and another responsibility of the squadron monitors.

"Making sure RAMs are being conducted, doing spot checks of their areas and noting discrepancies are key responsibilities of the unit monitors. The same can be said of anyone stationed or living at Incirlik," said Sergeant Jackson. "The first step in fixing something is to put eyes on it. Don't walk past a problem; if you see a problem, up-channel it, or report it. This goes for something as basic as a broken lock on a mechanical room door or the suspicion that your area is under surveillance."

"I should also mention the Eagle Eyes program," he said. "If you see suspicious activity, contact the Law Enforcement Desk at 676-3200. Tell them what you saw and where you saw it."

The environment at Incirlik demands a greater awareness of a person's surroundings than is the norm for an American living in the States. Personnel and unit AT measures enhance everyone's safety. While the ATFP Office is here to provide guidance and direction, unit monitors are essential to mission accomplishment.

"AT monitors are vital to the success of our program," said Sergeant Jackson. "They're the eyes and ears of this office for their organization."

"They're on the frontline," added Captain McVay, "making sure their fellow Airmen are safe."