Air Force OSI enlists your help

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Harry Brexel
  • 19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. --  The Air Force Office of Special Investigations is requesting the eyes and ears of all Air Force members and civilians in support of contingency operations.

With rising international tensions and the ever-present threat of terroristic attacks, the Eagle Eyes initiative is more vital than ever.

The Eagle Eyes program is an anti-terrorism initiative that counts on assistance from every Airman, civilian, contractor and dependent. Anyone can have a positive effect on the safety of their community, or even save a life, by reporting suspicious activity.

Eagle Eyes is an Air Force-wide initiative that arms Airmen with information in order to identify elements of potential terrorist activities when they see them.

"It is important to remember that everyone on or around base has the opportunity to play a vigilant role," said Special Agent Little, counterintelligence program manager, AFOSI Detachment 327. "It is vital for all people, on and off base, to be aware at all times."

Law enforcement cannot be everywhere at once and relies on citizen's support as a means of detection and deterrence. Involvement in programs like Eagle Eyes is critical in safeguarding U.S. citizens and government assets.

Information can be reported 24 hours a day. The information is promptly shared with law enforcement agencies and military commanders for immediate action.

Everyone is encouraged to stay alert whether at home, work or even while driving.
"Complacency can be a downfall," said Little.

Always keep an eagle eye out for suspicious behaviors. According to the Air Force OSI website, the following acts are categories of suspicious behavior:

Surveillance - The act of someone recording or monitoring activities using camera equipment, taking notes, drawing maps or using binoculars or any other vision enhancement devices.

Elicitation - Anyone or any organization attempting to gain information about military operations or its personnel.

Test of Security - Any attempt to measure reaction times to security breaches or to penetrate physical security barriers.

Acquiring Supplies - Purchasing, or even stealing weapons, explosives, uniforms, vehicle decals and even Department of Defense identification media.

Suspicious Persons Out of Place - People who just don't seem to belong there. This could be the individual asking questions you know they do not have the need to know or an individual sitting outside the base perimeter fence in their car, watching personnel entering and exiting the base.

Dry Runs - Putting people in position and moving them about without actually committing the terrorist act.

Deploying Assets - This would be the final behavior before the terrorist act. People and supplies are put in place to commit the terrorist act. This would also be your last chance to alert authorities before terrorism occurs.

"The Eagle Eye program is critical to Little Rock Air Force Base in particular," said Special Agent Bedard, AFOSI Det. 327. "People should keep in mind the large population of student turnover on the installation, and how it presents an even more heightened level of awareness."

If you observe suspicious activity, during the day or night, make note of it and call the Little Rock AFB law enforcement desk at (501) 987-3221. Once the call is made, Security Forces will react and notify AFOSI or other agencies as needed.