Keep your "Eagle Eyes" peeled

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kia Atkins
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  It could be someone standing outside the gate with binoculars or even someone standing by the flightline taking photos. You don't know who they are or what motives they have for doing these things, but you may feel suspicious of their behavior.

If you don't say something about that suspicious activity, who will?

"Eagle Eyes" is a community-based defensive program designed to identify potential terrorist activity. It is an initiative that enlists the eyes and ears of base members in the war on terror.

"Reporting suspicious activity allows us to put our resources to work and find out what the source of that suspicious activity is," said Special Agent David Collins, Air Force Office of Special Investigations Detachment 623. "Usually an "Eagle Eyes" report is our first clue in finding out information on what could be a much bigger problem."

If you see any of the following activities on or off-base it may indicate possible terrorism targeting:
  • Someone recording or monitoring activities.
  • People or organizations attempting to gain information about military operations, capabilities or people by mail, fax, telephone or in person.
  • Any attempts to measure reaction times of security personnel in order to assess strengths and weakness of the base.
  • Seeing a suspicious individual purchasing or stealing explosives, weapons, ammunition, military uniforms, decals, flight manuals, passes or badges, the equipment to manufacture such items or any other controlled items.
  • People who don't seem to belong in the workplace, neighborhood, business establishment or anywhere else.
  • Suspicious individuals performing a dry-run of what you believe may be a terrorist act.
If you see people placing supplies and getting into position to commit a terrorist act, it could be your last chance to alert authorities before the act occurs.

"Everyone on the installation has the responsibility to report suspicious activity if they see it," said Master Sgt. Lance Guedry, 35th Fighter Wing antiterrorism office.

If you're ever in a situation where you hear of or see suspicious activity, you should report it to the AFOSI at 226-3116 or the 35th Security Forces Squadron at 226-4358. You never know if your tip could be the one that prevents a possible terrorist attack.