HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – You’ve all heard about force protection conditions, also known as FPCONs, but ever wonder what that really means?
According to Air Force Instruction 10-245, “The DoD [Department of Defense] FPCON System describes the progressive level of protective measures that are implemented by all the DoD Components in anticipation of or in response to a terrorist threat or attack. The FPCON System is the principal means through which commanders apply an operational decision on how to best guard against the terrorist threat. The protective measures identified in the FPCON System assist commanders in reducing the risks of terrorist attacks and other security threats to DoD personnel, units and activities.”
It consists of five progressive levels of increasing antiterrorism protective measures: NORMAL, ALPHA, BRAVO, CHARLIE and DELTA.
Once an FPCON level is declared, all listed security measures for that level must be implemented immediately unless waived in writing by the appropriate geographic combatant commander or delegated representative.
Here is what each level means:
NORMAL: This condition applies when a general global threat of possible terrorist activity exists and warrants a routine security posture. This condition has not applied at Hanscom since the terrorist attacks of 9/11.
ALPHA: This condition applies when there is an increased general threat of possible terrorist activity against personnel or facilities, the nature and extent of which are unpredictable, and circumstances do not justify full implementation of FPCON BRAVO measures.
BRAVO: Applies when an increased or more predictable threat of terrorist activity exists. Hanscom is currently in FPCON BRAVO.
CHARLIE: Applies when an incident occurs or intelligence is received indicating that some form of terrorist action or targeting against personnel or facilities is likely.
DELTA: Applies in the immediate area where a terrorist attack has occurred or when intelligence is received that terrorist action against a specific location or person is imminent.
In addition, Unit AT Representatives, or UATRs perform Random Antiterrorism Measures, also known as RAMs, as part of an installation antiterrorism officer-managed program. RAMs are randomly selected to keep a potential adversary guessing.
Be cognizant of what these FPCON levels mean and what level is currently in place -- to include for exercises.
If or when the FPCON level changes, follow all directions from unit leadership and security forces personnel.
For further information on FPCONs or RAMs, contact your UATR.