Antiterrorism awareness just as vital as ever
The United States today has an overwhelming anti-terrorism capability.
Since the World Trade Center and Pentagon were attacked in 2001, the federal government annually spends upwards of $15 billion on counterterrorism efforts.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation reports that more than 50 terrorist plots against the United States have been foiled since the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, as were multiple attacks in decades prior to that fateful day.
A common theme in successful counterterrorism operations is people reporting and following up on suspicious activity, be they law enforcement officials or ordinary citizens. This is the message of the Army’s annual Antiterrorism Month, and since its inception Yuma Proving Ground (YPG) personnel have sought to raise awareness as creatively as possible.
“YPG’s test mission is very important,” said Alfonzo Brown, antiterrorism officer. “Our country has adversaries, and with adversaries come threats—we can’t get complacent in what we do.”
The terrorist threat persists, and reporting unusual activity could be the vital difference that foils a deadly act.
“Everything goes through the workforce,” said Brown. “They are the command’s eyes and ears on the ground.”
“If you see something suspicious, say something, because it all starts with you,” said Col. Patrick McFall, YPG Commander. “Everyone has the responsibility and duty to do this. The terrorism threat remains, and we must remain vigilant.”