What can civilians do to help prevent terror attacks?

2017-05-24T11:26:17-04:00

Response by SPC Randy Torgerson made May 24 at 2017 11:28 AM

2017-05-24T11:28:37-04:00

Should those who have military training report our observations to authorities and are we better qualified than soccer moms at spotting this kind of danger?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 24 at 2017 11:29 AM

2017-05-24T11:29:49-04:00

Be vigilant and don't be afraid to speak up...sometimes it's better to be safe than sorry.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 24 at 2017 11:35 AM

2017-05-24T11:35:50-04:00

SPC Randy Torgerson I think the basic "See something, Say something" program is a good start. Now to get people to actually do that. Some do. Others simply walk on by thinking that it's not their place to get involved, or simply don't see anything because they are too distracted by their phone.
Most civilians don't know how to spot suspicious activity. I think vets can change this, but we would face the problem, again, of getting people invested in it.
Sadly, it feels like this world of feeling no self-responsibility is showing some very bad consequences when it comes to things like this.

Response by PV2 Andrew Schauf- Anderson made May 24 at 2017 11:43 AM

2017-05-24T11:43:26-04:00

Volunteer/Apply for positions on different bases. This will give you the opportunity to meet with other members of the military and discuss any actions that is possible.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 24 at 2017 11:43 AM

2017-05-24T11:43:54-04:00

Look up from their cell phones and start looking at the actual world around them instead of the virtual world

Response by MSG Brad Sand made May 24 at 2017 12:00 PM

2017-05-24T12:00:18-04:00

Be vigilant. Oppose politicians that deny where the violence taking place right in front of them is coming from. Stop listening to entertainers and thinking that because they are famous that somehow means they know something...anything?

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 24 at 2017 12:59 PM

2017-05-24T12:59:48-04:00

Leagally arm themselves, and carry all day everyday. Stay strapped, and stay vigilant.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made May 24 at 2017 1:14 PM

2017-05-24T13:14:10-04:00

A lot of items for which people want to make a checklist of attributes, features, etc. Bottom line, don't be a soft target. Where we live, people keep an eye out for each other AND easily 50% of the adult population are packing. Since our town is on the ISIS hit list, we'd figure the Pastor would get off the first shots at church as having the best view of the door. If you haven't read the memo from the Supreme Court, there is no duty for law enforcement to protect you. They do have a duty to respond to criminal acts, when they get there, too late of course.
One thing the military is horrible about CONUS side is their Threatcon procedures where they create large soft targets outside the gates comprised of their own people and dependants of course. If they haven't worked out street, off ramp, etc. diversion away from the base, they are derelict in their planning. Took me 15 years to get Subase Bangor and Northwest Region to wake up on that one.

Response by SFC Kelly Fuerhoff made May 24 at 2017 1:39 PM

2017-05-24T13:39:34-04:00

Anything you get taught in CI training - that's what civilians should do. Look, watch, listen. Report anything strange and unusual. If it turns out to be nothing, better safe than sorry.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 24 at 2017 1:50 PM

2017-05-24T13:50:32-04:00

Buy a gun and learn to shoot?

Response by PO1 Brian Austin made May 24 at 2017 2:18 PM

2017-05-24T14:18:51-04:00

Maintain situational awareness. Look up from their cell phones for a minute or two. Report anything that seems strange or suspicious, without worrying about whether they might offend someone.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 24 at 2017 3:46 PM

2017-05-24T15:46:49-04:00

Not much but you can mitigate opportunities. Stay alert, stay alive.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 24 at 2017 6:19 PM

2017-05-24T18:19:05-04:00

First, I think it's important that people report suspicious activity. Sometimes people feel self conscious or are afraid of embarrassing themselves if they accidentally wrongfully accuse someone - but better to let authorities make the determination on who is or isn't connected to terrorism. Second, people should practice situational awareness when discussing opinions that could be considered inflammatory. This isn't a matter of limiting one's freedom of speech, but recognizing what is and isn't constructive in a society where terrorists are frequently targeting people who are already alienated or dysfunctional.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 24 at 2017 9:06 PM

2017-05-24T21:06:11-04:00

If you see something say something.
pay attention to what you are doing.
be a hard target.
be prepared for an event.
If it does not look right tell someone.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 24 at 2017 11:13 PM

2017-05-24T23:13:25-04:00

I think it was already said pretty well above, staying vigilant and reporting suspicious behavior is the key. Being willing to stop something before it happens and having the capability and fortitude to do so are also very important.

Response by PO1 Robert Johnson made May 25 at 2017 11:46 AM

2017-05-25T11:46:58-04:00

Citizens can open their eyes and ears and pay attention to their environment. If they see or hear something that is not right, don't hide and hope it will go away or that someone else will take care of it. Report it. It may not be "Your problem" now but it could be at any moment. Situational awareness is how we can help stop something bad happening.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2017 3:11 AM

2017-05-27T03:11:17-04:00

Pay attention to their surroundings, learn how to call 911, learn how to interact with police and emergency services, be armed and take classes on firearms training, take a first aid class.