How are you reacting to the threats of ISIS towards our military?

2014-12-31T12:10:44-05:00

In case you haven't already been made aware - ISIS “lone wolf” individuals or groups may target active duty, reserve, and any person who has served and displays symbols of their service.

I believe the threat is real, and even if it is being over-hyped, there is nothing bad with being alert, aware, and ready to protect yourself and your family.

In addition to physical displays of your service, we each have a social media imprint that probably informs people of our service.

I am sure most of you are reading this, hunkering down, and thinking, "BRING IT!"

I have talked with several fellow Marines, and they are more than ready to defend themselves, their families, and fellow service members. I believe them. Other people I have discussed this with, however, are thinking about this threat and re-evaluating their actions - online and offline.

Due to my military training and current affiliations, I am usually alert and aware, perhaps overly so. I don't know how to turn it off, and that is perhaps a good thing. At any rate, I am even more heightened based on this news, and I want to make sure my fellow brothers and sisters-in-arms are aware as well.

Will this news change your actions or behaviors at all? What are your thoughts regarding this threat announcement to our nation's veterans and service-members?

Response by SGT Charles Vernier made Dec 31 at 2014 1:18 PM

2014-12-31T13:18:46-05:00

While I don't discount the threat the goal of terrorism is to cause a change in a societies actions and behavior through fear. If I respond by changing my behavior to hide the fact that I am veteran then the terrorist have then been successful simply based on a threat.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 1 at 2015 1:18 PM

2015-01-01T13:18:17-05:00

I've always been somewhat careful not to broadcast my military (now veteran) affiliation to the world. When the FBI and DHS came out recently with their warning to the military to be careful about what they reveal in their online presence, I didn't have to change much. I'm affiliated with the Army here on RallyPoint and on Facebook, but my privacy settings are pretty tight on Facebook, and I count on RallyPoint to be secure.

Like you, Cpl Anthony Pearson, I think this threat is real. I'm not one of those "bring it" guys. I'm more of a "blend in" guy who hopes to avoid the threat. If a lone wolf is already targeting me (or any service member), there's probably not much I can do to avoid it. That's why it's so important to take preventive measures to avoid becoming a target in the first place.

Response by SFC Boots Attaway made Jan 1 at 2015 3:20 PM

2015-01-01T15:20:43-05:00

I carry my 1911 45 every time I leave the house so bring it.

Response by SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS made Jan 1 at 2015 3:40 PM

2015-01-01T15:40:06-05:00

Cpl Anthony Pearson I deactivated my Facebook accounts, but maintain my RP, and Linked In account. I am always armed and think tactically wherever I go. I plan an egress route, look for cover and concealment options, and maintain a survival state of mind.

I don't regard myself as having a "bring it" mentality, but if it comes, I am prepared.

Response by Cpl Anthony Pearson made Jan 1 at 2015 4:36 PM

2015-01-01T16:36:24-05:00

SFC Finck, exactly how I am. I kept my FB account active though.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 4 at 2015 11:59 AM

2015-01-04T11:59:00-05:00

I think the threat has been too hyped... Not to say use caution in general, but I had made a point to let them know it have a gift for them in two sizes, 7.62 x 51 mm and .45 ACP.... So, my holiday had been very quiet. If there is anyone out there with a really good Meme generator, I would love to see Al Bagdadi's head on a dildo...

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 3 at 2015 4:17 PM

2015-02-03T16:17:37-05:00

I rechecked that the privacy settings on my online accounts we set at the maximum and I changed some of my public profile pictures to ones where I am not in uniform. I don't advertize the fact that I am active duty with decals on my truck and I don't really plan to in the future. I don't carry a firearm on a regular basis but there is usually a knife in my pocket and two in the truck. The most important thing that I do is maintain situational awareness by regularly checking local law enforment and emergency service notices along with national, state and local threat reports. I believe that this is probably the best practice to avoid becoming a target of opportunity.

Response by PFC Scott Edelman made Feb 3 at 2015 5:42 PM

2015-02-03T17:42:32-05:00

eh might not have been the greatest Marine but yet 13 weeks on P.I. 1 month on C.L. ( Camp Gieger.......yes i'm a POG ) and 6 weeks at FT. Sill OK ugh.....and then so forth being a reservist, if any one from ISIS were to disrupt my daily routine i will personally show them where the ICE IS........

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Feb 3 at 2015 6:29 PM

2015-02-03T18:29:37-05:00

I don't think of myself as a "bring it on" kind of guy. Hell, I'm 72 and probably wouldn't be too difficult to handle. Sadly, I live in the Socialist Republic of California and getting a permit to carry concealed is about as likely as President Obama passing up a chance to play golf.

I am looking into the legality of carrying a police telescoping baton and, of course, have a short barrel 12 gauge loaded with OO Buck at home. Sadly, I doubt if any of that would really help in a terrorist attack. (Shooting at shrapnel from an exploding suicide bomber wouldn't do much good, would it?)

That being said, I am outspoken in my website/weblog, social media, and discussions such as those here on RallyPoint. Thus, I maintain a high degree of situational awareness so that I won't walk into trouble while plugged into a cell phone or iPod or texting or talking on a cell phone. I also keep emergency stocks of food and water at home. And, I keep current on first aid qualifications, have a handheld HAM radio, etc, etc, etc.

I wish my community would sponsor a civil defense organization and politic for it. I don't think the federal government will ever take such a prudent step.

Ultimately, I don't think that hunkering down and keeping quiet about the very real threats posed by (dare I say it?) "radical Islamists" is going to help. President Obama obviously never served. Had he, he might have learned that you can't simply hide in a foxhole. Eventually, someone is going to walk up and stick you with a bayonet...

Response by SFC Boots Attaway made Feb 20 at 2015 9:45 AM

2015-02-20T09:45:10-05:00

My fb account is active, I let people know that I am a vet but I do pay attention to my surroundings.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 20 at 2015 9:49 AM

2015-02-20T09:49:43-05:00

I know the threat is real, but I am not concerned. I keep my weapon in my house, and I don't have a lot of regular movements at the moment.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Feb 20 at 2015 11:16 AM

2015-02-20T11:16:32-05:00

Here's how I'm reacting....

https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/personal-atfp-regarding-isil-threats

Response by COL Ted Mc made Feb 20 at 2015 11:41 AM

2015-02-20T11:41:17-05:00

Ms. Buschatz is AWESOME

http://www.bizpacreview.com/2015/02/15/brave-us-military-wives-defy-isis-threats-im-not-going-to-act-afraid-179877

Check out her FOX News (and if you know how often I refer people to FIX News you'd know that that is a REALLY impressive endorsement).

BEING afraid is normal and prudent when people are actively trying to commit random murders in order to scare you into doing what they want you to do. ACTING afraid is irrational and is actually letting the sociopaths who are trying to commit random murders achieve their "goal" because you are now doing what they want you to do.

Brave US military wives defy ISIS threats: 'I'm not going to act afraid' - BizPac Review

U.S. intelligence officials testified on Capitol Hill last week that tracking Americans returning from fighting alongside Islamic State insurgents has become difficult. Some military wives are saying, no kidding — they may already be here. Watch the latest video at video.foxnews.com Amy Buschatz is one of at least a half-dozen wives of active-duty military personnel …

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 20 at 2015 1:28 PM

2015-02-20T13:28:53-05:00

I'm reacting with a resounding "meh". ISIS doesn't want to fight us here...they want us to meet them in Syria to fulfill their prophecies.

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 21 at 2015 1:04 AM

2015-02-21T01:04:54-05:00

I am deployed to their backyard and serving with the great Americans and our friends that eliminate pieces of who and what they are every day