In a newly released message to the force, Army leaders are calling on soldiers and their families to remain vigilant and safe during the holidays.
The All-Army Activities message cites the "continued potential threat posed by the release of soldiers' personally identifiable information by ISIL/ISIS, the recent terrorist attacks in France, and the potential targeting of holiday venues by terrorists."
The ALARACT, numbered 179/2015, goes on to say that while there is "a lack of current credible reporting" indicating specific threats or plots, "recent reporting has indicated aspirations by overseas extremists to target holiday celebrations."
"Although indications of extremists' violence could be minimal, maintaining an acute situational awareness and vigilance is essential in the prevention, or at a minimum mitigation, of any potential attack," the ALARACT states.
The message lists several recommendations for commanders, including:
• Review force protection measures.
• Remind personnel to report any suspicious activity to military police or local law enforcement.
• Ensure personnel complete the required area of responsibility-specific training prior to any overseas travel.
• Encourage personnel to maintain situational awareness.
• Encourage personnel to use the State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, which allows U.S. citizens to register their overseas travel plans and receive updates on travel warnings, alerts and other information for a particular country.
• Inform personnel that they can receive the latest information on overseas security conditions from the State Department by calling (888) 407-4747 or going online.
Commanders also are asked to take several force protection measures, including:
• Review and update local incident response plans.
• Continue coordination with local emergency responders and include them in exercises.
• Continue execution of random anti-terrorism measures.
• Test emergency notification systems.
• Ensure proper security precautions for special events.
• Convene a threat working group, with special emphasis on mass gatherings and soft targets.
The ALARACT also has some recommendations for soldiers and their families.
• Be alert for individuals wearing unusually bulky clothing that might conceal suicide weapons or explosives.
• Watch for suspicious or illegally parked vehicles near a gathering.
• Be alert for unattended packages or bags.
• Watch for individuals trying to gain unauthorized entry to a gathering or event.
• Be careful about what you post on social media and review your privacy settings.
• Limit any reference to military, government or law enforcement affiliation on social media.
• Never allow apps to geolocate your location.
• Remove license plate holders, stickers and other visual items on your vehicle that may affiliate you or your family members with the military, government or law enforcement.
• Consider how you dress in public, including shirts, hats or jackets that reference military, government or law enforcement affiliation.
• Educate your family on basic personal security measures.
