Don't be a target of terrorism!

GySgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Jul 2014 23:29:38 -0400

Ive been hearing that since I've joined the Corps. As a boot, my NCO's would tell us not to wear our dog tags, get ridiculous high and tights, or wear motto (military affiliated) attire in their effort to ensure us boots were not sticking out like a sore thumb in public. Taking different routes to and from locations and other things you would do in actual combat or where threats are higher then normal would often be expressed as practices we should implement in our daily lives in garrison.

Do you practice things to not be a target of terrorism and if so, what do you do? Anybody think this is unnecessary in the USA?

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 30 at 2014 5:13 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 30 Jul 2014 05:13:57 -0400

The haircuts alone make us pretty obvious. In uniform or out of uniform at the airport, I'm almost always recognized as being military.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 30 at 2014 5:55 AM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 30 Jul 2014 05:55:47 -0400

The Navy also requires annual anti-terrorism training as well, but Major Dews raises a terrific point. We don't think about the many ways we differ visually from people around the world - and even from the general US population.

I heard one example a number of years ago in Bahrain: if you see five guys from clearly different ethnic backgrounds walking down the street in Manama they're either US Sailors or a Village People reunion tour.

Another point was made by an instructor in a pre-deployment training session: when you're traveling in civilian clothes, avoid dressing in the "uniform" of off-duty military personnel - North Face or 511 cargo pants and a t-shirt.

Combine either of these be behaviors with short hair and the only thing they don't know about you is what rank you are.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Jul 30 at 2014 6:13 AM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Wed, 30 Jul 2014 06:13:39 -0400

If we let our guard down here at home, any thing can happen, even if its not terrorist related. Potential robbers can stake you out and watch your habits too. I've always been unnerved by people who pull up on the side of you in very light highway traffic and stay there. There are plenty of insurance scams where drivers "force" you into a bad move by doing this as well as this being an anti-terrorism watch item.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2015 6:56 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Feb 2015 18:56:35 -0500

DOD also issued a warning to Vets and families of military. I have all kinds of stuff on my truck signifying I'm a veteran. The only thing lacking is a bull's eye. Unless anyone in my family receives a threat, it's all staying.