Antiterrorism training required for Airmen

  • Published
  • By John Simpson
  • for The Northwest Airlifter
MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  To heighten personal security awareness, Airmen traveling outside the continental United States on leave are required to fill out a checklist and complete a computer- based training course online. 

"The Antiterrorism Force Protection travel checklist must be accomplished by all active duty members," said William Bravo, an antiterrorism officer and manager of the wing's Critical Infrastructure Program. 

"This applies whether they are on temporary duty assignment status, undergoing a permanent change of station or going on leave." 

The checklist informs Airmen what they may encounter and addresses the recall of Airmen should a situation require their return to the U.S. Training also includes a five to 10 minute CBT program that provides a terrorist threat assessment as well as a brief look at the culture or the country they plan to visit. Completion of the CBT is an annual requirement for all Airmen and Defense Department employees. 

"We give the same briefing to deploying Airmen," said Staff Sgt. Jason McConnell, an intelligence analyst with the 62nd Operations Support Squadron. "The one difference is that Airmen traveling to another country must fill out the Antiterrorism Force Protection Travel Checklist." 

Sergeant McConnell also emphasized personal security and situational awareness when it comes to Airmen traveling outside of the United States. 

"No matter where you go to visit, Airmen must maintain their security and situational awareness," he said. "There are countries out there that do attempt to gather intelligence from visitors." 

For all travel outside the U.S., Airmen must undergo a briefing at the 62nd OSS. Squadron officials ask Airmen to schedule the briefing at least two weeks before departing so the most current information about the country the person will be visiting can be gathered for the briefing. To schedule a briefing, call 982-7185.