Air Force Expands Base Security
Air Force Association, Daily Report, 4 Dec 2015

​The Air Force has implemented a series of new steps to improve base security following an order from Defense Secretary Ash Carter to improve the safety of military facilities following the July shooting at a recruiting center in Chattanooga, Tenn. The Air Force has increased the number of armed security forces on bases through multiple programs, expanded force protection measures at off-installation facilities, and is working on a long-term mass notification system, Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James said in a Dec. 3 release. "Commanders remain fully empowered and are expected to make arming decisions for off-installation facilities consistent with existing authorities," James said. "They are also best positioned to balance the mission with the threat and determine the appropriate level of security required for a given facility." As a part of the new protocols, off-base facilities need to establish and maintain emergency action plans, which have to be practiced at least twice per year, according to the release.

SecAF implements Additional Security Measures After Attacks
Secretary of the Air Force Command Information / Official Website of the U.S. Air Force, Published 3 Dec 2015

WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- In response to the defense secretary’s call to improve the security and force protection of defense personnel after the tragic events in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James introduced more stringent security measures to reduce the possibility of violent acts directed toward Airmen on and off installations.

"In the wake of the tragedies at Fort Hood, the Navy Yard and Chattanooga, we worked closely with DOD, the Joint Staff and other services to identify and provide effective and long-lasting force protection enhancements,” James said. “We take the safety of our service members, civilians and their families who support them seriously and continue to examine ways to make our installations and facilities safer.”

Defense Secretary Ash Carter initially charged the secretaries of the military departments with improving physical and procedural security, mass warning and alert notification capabilities and augmenting security.

“As part of this commitment, we increased the number of armed security forces on base through several arming programs, are enhancing force protection measures at off-installation facilities, and are working on long-term mass notification systems,” James said. “Commanders remain fully empowered and are expected to make arming decisions for off-installation facilities consistent with existing authorities. They are also best positioned to balance the mission with the threat and determine the appropriate level of security required for a given facility.”

In addition, off-installation facilities will establish and maintain emergency action plans and practice these plans through training exercises at least twice a year.

“We are working with (the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence) toward an armed contract solution for off-installation facilities like our recruiting stations, and we are strengthening relationships with local law enforcement agencies and partnering on exercises to ensure all personnel are prepared to respond to future incidents,” James said. “These efforts are designed to increase the safety of our service members, their families and the communities we live in and support."

AFSFA Security Forces Magazine Editors Note: Read more about this in BGen Jamerson's column in the Sep-Dec 2015 issue.

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