LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
EDITOR'S NOTE: The names of some individuals mentioned in this story have been withheld due to operational and personnel security reasons.
An unmarked package sits partially hidden in the parking lot at the base's Exchange. A passerby recalls past training, and calls the security forces law enforcement desk to report the suspicious package. Within minutes, emergency responders cordon the area and assess the situation.
Without the situational awareness and cooperation of the base population, potential threats could go unnoticed - and could cause harm to those around.
While keeping Langley Air Force Base, Va., safe and secure is every Airman's responsibility; personnel from the 633rd Security Forces Squadron and the Air Force Office of Special Investigations train and devote time and effort to programs that ensure Service members have the tools to protect the base from threats.
The Eagle Eyes Program is strategically designed to focus the eyes and ears of Airmen and community members on potential threats.
"The Eagle Eyes program is designed to empower Airmen to go after what threats are impacting the base," explained the AFOSI counterintelligence branch chief. "If Airmen witness a felony-level crime, they can report it to OSI."
Eagle Eyes was created by the Air Force, and has become the Department of Defense's "Neighborhood Watch" program. According to Linda Card, the Headquarters AFOSI chief of public affairs, the program was originally established as a force protection counter-terrorism program, but after Sept. 11, 2001, became a more of a neighborhood watch program at the wing-level.
The program teaches Service members to remain vigilant, aware of various situations and maintain open communication, since AFOSI can't be everywhere at one time. The branch chief said Airmen play a key role in noticing and identifying suspicious activities and behaviors.
"Sometimes the enemy may be among us," the chief said. "That's why Airmen should look out for reportable behaviors."
Types of reportable behaviors include: surveillance, people or organizations attempting to gain information about military operations, capabilities of people, tests of security, illegal acquisition of supplies or individuals out of place.
Airmen should familiarize themselves with reportable behaviors because they are crucial to the safety of the Air Force, the chief said.
Along with the Eagle Eyes Program, the 633rd SFS set up a crime hotline for Service members to report any non-emergency crimes.
The 633rd SFS training section also provides non-tactical briefings and training to units on base, including taser training, baton training and active shooter briefings.
"We all play a big part in keeping the base safe and secure," explained Master Sgt. Randy Knightner, 633rd SFS noncommissioned officer in charge of training. "It is not just up to the defenders and OSI."
Airmen and civilians on base should also act as sensors, the branch chief explained. The people act as an early warning detection system for law enforcement.
"If there are no incidents, then we are doing our jobs correctly," said Knightner.
Organizations or individuals that are threats to the base and the Nation will not distinguish between a security forces badge, a maintenance badge or a medical badge. As a whole, everyone must be vigilant and refrain from becoming complacent.
To report a crime to AFOSI call (757) 764-7971, or for the 633rd SFS crime hotline call (757) 764-1100. To schedule a training or briefing with SFS, call the training section at (757) 764-6108.