Staying ready: FPCON basics Published March 24, 2008 By Tech. Sgt. James Branch Public Affairs DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga., -- During training exercises in preparation for the upcoming Unit Compliance Inspection and Operational Readiness Inspection, participants may be notified of a change in Force Protection Conditions (FPCONs). FPCONs are security measures that have been implemented by the Department of Defense to standardize the military's methods of identifying and responding to threats to personnel and facilities. There are 5 FPCON levels, Normal, Alpha, Bravo, Charlie and Delta. FPCON'S are initially set by Higher Headquarters for your area. The area/installation commander can increase the FPCONs as situations direct. He or she can not decrease it lower than what was set by HHQ without approval. The first level, Normal, applies when a general threat of possible terrorist activity exists and warrants routine security. Normal movement is allowed on the installation and in facilities. If there is an increased general threat of possible terrorist activity against personnel or facilities, the FPCON level is raised to Alpha. This would be a good time to set things up and inform personnel on what they should do in the event of an attack. Put out your M9 tape and M8 paper, assign door guards and brief your PAR teams. Everyone should be wearing their field gear, have their weapon with them and have their "C" bag where they can easily get to it. An increased or more predictable threat of terrorist activity raises the FPCON level to Bravo. Check M9 tape and M8 paper to make sure everything has been properly applied. Put plastic covering over all equipment. Have your PAR team members check the tape/paper on a rotating basis and change them often. Door guards should challenge anyone requesting entrance into tents and facilities. Buildings, tents and/or bunkers should be hardened. Everyone should be wearing field gear, have their weapon with them and carrying their "C" bag if they are not already wearing chem suits. FPCON Charlie applies when an incident occurs or intelligence is received indicating some form of terrorist action is likely. Now is the time to make sure everyone knows the protocol if attacked. Your tent should be secure, door zipped up, and windows covered and door guards posted and checking everyone. PAR teams should be standing by with chem. kits. Everyone will be on alert. When an incident occurs in the immediate area, or intelligence has been received that terrorist action against a specific location or person is imminent, the FPCON is raised to its highest level, Delta. No one should leave their tent. If caught outside, find shelter in the nearest bunker. Security forces and augmentees will repel the attack if it's on the ground. No one goes outside until the condition is lowered to CHARLIE/BLACK. At that time, the PAR team will check paper and tape for chemicals and sweep the area for unexploded ordinances (UXOs). Tent commanders should then report their status of personnel and sector status to the Command section, using the SALUTE report. Again, stay inside until the situation has been handled and notification given that the FPCON and ALARM conditions have been lowered. The FPCON system is placed in effect to protect, not inconvenience Airmen. Regardless of the level, everyone should remain vigilant at all times. Report anything that looks suspicious using a SALUTE report. FPCON QUIZ 1. True or False: Alarm conditions and FPCONs are the same thing. 2. What is the SALUTE report? a. Size, Accuracy, Largeness, Uniform, Time, Experience b. Size, Activity, Location, Unit, Time, Equipment c. Safety, Attitude, Likability, Underwater, Tactics, Engagement d. Size, Altitude, Location, Unit, Time, Equipment 3. True or False: Anyone involved in the training exercise can increase the FPCON level when they deem necessary.
