Stay vigilant, report suspicious activity

  • Published
  • By Office of Special Investigations
MALMSTOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  As a result of the 9-11 terrorist attacks, the Air Force implemented an antiterrorism program called "Eagle Eyes," which is run by the Air Force Office of Special Investigations for the Air Force. Much like a neighborhood watch program, the Eagle Eyes program is an aggressive Department of Defense-wide neighborhood watch program that educates people on observable activities and what to do if they see something suspicious. The motto for Eagle Eyes is: Watch. Report. Protect.

"Eagle Eyes enlists the help of base personnel, whether active duty, civilian, reservist, family members or civilian contractors, and the civilian communities surrounding the base to remain vigilant and keep their eyes and ears open to any suspicious activities," said Special Agent Justin Smalling, Detachment 806 commander. "The 2001 attack did not just spontaneously happen. There were precursor events that occurred that eventually led up to the attack. These terrorists conducted surveillance, planned their attacks and rehearsed their operation." 

Lessons learned in the federal law enforcement and intelligence communities played a key role in the development of Eagle Eyes.

"Of most importance, we learned that every terrorist act is preceded by observable activities. These activities usually include surveillance, elicitation for information, tests of security, acquiring certain supplies, a dry run -- practicing the terrorist act, and deploying the assets to commit the act," said Agent Chris Wright, Detachment 806 superintendent.  "Once the assets are deployed to commit the attack, it is almost always too late to prevent the act from occurring."

OSI Detachment 806 special agents here are out on the streets on a daily basis briefing Eagle Eyes information not only to the base community, but also to local vendors and companies that may be of interest to a terrorist. They also participate in convoy operations with the 341st Missile Wing and brief local landowners throughout the Malmstrom Air Force Base missile complex.  Through education, it is possible to train individuals on how to help prevent a terrorist attack from occurring. 

"When the community is aware of pre-attack indicators, they can play a vital role in deterring a potential attack," said Agent Brian Birdwell, convoy operations. 

Once a potential indicator is observed, it is reported to OSI through various channels. OSI then investigates the reported activity.

Here are some examples of what has been reported through the Eagle Eyes program to Detachment 806 in the last year: a female in a civilian vehicle in the missile complex was observed video recording a convoy; an active-duty member had a close, and continuing relationship with a foreign national that his security manager was not aware of; an unidentified, remote controlled aircraft flew over restricted air space at Malmstrom AFB.

By reaching out to Air Force members, their families and the local community through educational briefings and word of mouth, these incidents were reported in a timely manner. By reporting these incidents, potential criminal or terrorist plots were foiled.
 
"Through education, we believe many incidents can be easily avoided. Simple things like not leaving valuables, such as military identification, military uniforms or deployment gear in vehicles can prevent a potential terrorist activity from occurring," said Agent Amanda Detrick. 

Law Enforcement officials, to include OSI special agents, cannot be everywhere at all times. 

"The Eagle Eyes program relies on you to remain vigilant," said Smalling. "Only you know your neighborhood. Only you know your workplace. Please continue to remain cognizant and continue to Watch, Report and Protect." 

If you or your family members witness suspicious activities or persons, don't hesitate to report the information immediately. Contact the authorities by calling the Malmstrom Air Force Office of Special Investigations/Eagle Eyes at 731-3558 or the Base Defense Operations Center at 731-3895.