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Personal Protection Measures Against the Terrorist Threat*Placing the Threat in PerspectiveTerrorism is an indiscriminate crime that comes in varying forms of threats and violence and is used primarily to attain political goals of one form or another. Terrorists generate fear through acts of violence, intimidation, and coercion. As recent events have shown, terrorists have reached new levels of organization, sophistication, and violence. Terrorist tactics and techniques are changing and challenging the effectiveness of our current antiterrorist measures. Accordingly, we must change our mindset about terrorism. Awareness is the KeyThis booklet will not ensure immunity against terrorism, but by practicing these techniques and proven security habits and becoming more knowledgeable of the threat, the possibility of becoming a terrorist target will be lessened. Through constant awareness you can protect yourself and your family from acts of terrorism. ElicitationElicitation is a collection of conversational gambits used in ordinary conversations in order to gain information without being obvious about it. Elicitation by foreign intelligence officers or terrorists is a commonly used and highly effective way of subtly collecting information through what appears to be normal, perhaps even mundane, social or professional conversation. Be aware, and be ready to tactfully defect questions that are intrusive and too probing regarding your job, private life and co-workers. Conversing via Non-Secure TelephonePay special attention to Operations Security (OPSEC) considerations when communicating over non-secure means of communications. Seemingly innocuous details can be transferred into intelligence information that could damage friendly plans and intentions. Additionally, any intelligence, resource, or equipment capabilities that were harmed or destroyed that would limit intelligence production or collection must not be discussed in any other manner than secure means. Adversaries pay close attention to observables to deduce critical information about your projects, programs, and activities. These exposed links to critical information help adversaries summarize the meaning of loose facts they collect. Unattended ItemsBe aware of your surroundings and report the locations of all unattended items such as luggage, gym bags, packages, boxes, etc., located near government facilities. It is extremely important that you NOT attempt to inspect the unattended items. Move as far away from unattended items as possible and leave inspections to trained personnel. Deadly bombs can be concealed in innocuous and relatively small packages or containers. These items may not appear to be threatening, but will be unattended and look out of place. Also, when traveling or attending public events, be alert to items left unattended. Immediately report any unattended items to the appropriate authorities. Internet Security AwarenessWhether you use the Internet from work or home, security precautions are highly advisable to protect your identity as well as your data. Information about yourself and in particular your employment with the federal government should not be provided to Internet user groups, e-mail services, or other web sites. Adversaries through a variety of methods can easily exploit such information about your identity and employer. Be aware of the security dangers inherent in these types of solicitations. Discussing work-related material with an Internet group is prohibited under Executive Order 12958, pre-publication regulations, and operations security policies. Unsolicited e-mails are a good way for foreign intelligence services or terrorists to collect names, ranks, duty locations, job descriptions, IP addresses, and other valuable information on U.S. government personnel. This information might be used to launch computer network attacks and identify targets of opportunity against DoD persons and installations. Suspicious Letters or PackagesCharacteristics of suspicious packages or letters include:
If you have any reason to believe a letter or parcel is suspicious:DON'T:
Chemical, Biological, Radiological or Nuclear ThreatRecent terrorist attacks in the United States have raised the possibility of a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, or Nuclear (CBRN) attack. A CBRN attack on the U. S. remains a remote possibility. Staging such an attack, given weather, method of dispersion, and the environment is difficult. Chemical, Radiological, NuclearCounter-terrorism experts believe that the greatest threat remains conventional explosives. Terrorists may, however, have read access to hazardous industrial chemical ingredients that could be used in an attack. If such an attack does occur, there are certain steps you can take.
The symptoms of a CBRN attack can range from mild to severe (e.g., sweating and a runny nose to lack of bodily functions.) Biological AttacksThe onset of a biological attack may be more difficult to determine. It may involve the release of a viral, toxic, bacterial, or other agent against humans, animals, or food products. The biological agent will have a delayed onset and generate symptoms days or weeks after exposure. The first indication of an attack may be infected or exposed persons exhibiting similar symptoms at hospitals, clinics, doctors, or internal medical stations. Because some of these agents are contagious, infection may occur away from the targeted area and be carried to the target through normal human contact. Aerosol biological attacks can only be accomplished in the predawn/early morning hours when winds are light and before air currents being to rise due to the warming of the ground. Measures taken to counteract chemical attacks also provide protection from biological attacks. Additional Preventative ActionsAt airports:
At hotels:
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