Force protection requires everyone's help

  • Published
  • By Col. T.J. O'Shaughnessy and Col. Mark Altobelli
  • 35th Fighter Wing commander and 35th Operations Group commander
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  Terrorists are a relentless enemy, and to defeat them we have to confront them with consistent vigilance and a high level of intensity and discipline. 

In this dynamic security environment, the threat doesn't operate in a constant or predictable way. Our number one focus is protecting you, but we can't do it without your help. 

It's a team effort to ensure we are ready to meet any security threat. That is why we need each of you to make maximum use of our exercises. They are a way to sharpen our warfighting skills. We must practice as we intend to fight. 

Every Airman, Sailor, Soldier, civilian and family member is a sentry -be vigilant. Be aware of your surroundings. If you see anything out of the norm, report it. 

Let's make force protection second nature....every day...every hour...every minute. Until we make it a part of our military fabric, we will be vulnerable. We're counting on each of you to do your part. Let's take care of each other Team Misawa.