Officials with the Arkansas National Guard announced Friday (May 8) implementation of additional random force protection measures at all of its facilities and installations in Arkansas as a result of a U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) message issued Friday by the Department of Defense citing an increased threat level.
Military members, family members and contractors are advised to plan extra time to their normal schedules as increased security may, from time to time, create traffic backups and slower access to major installations.
Although the Defense Department did not cite specific threats or specific installations that may be targeted, the Arkansas National Guard will increase its vigilance to ensure the safety and security of our personnel and facilities.
As one level of vigilance the Arkansas National Guard is encouraging its members, and those residents who may live near Guard facilities or installations, to report suspicious activity around the facilities to the Arkansas Fusion Center at 1-866-RUSAFE-2 (1-866-767-2332). The increased vigilance and situational awareness to suspicious activity and personnel can greatly improve the possibility of thwarting either a potential attack or criminal activity directed at Guard facilities, noted the Guard info.
Any civilians with official business on installations or recruits meeting with recruiters should telephone their points of contact or recruiter to confirm appointments in advance of seeking access to area military facilities and installations. This will reduce delays and ensure all visitors have valid business at the facility.
“Again, no specific threat has been identified, but the Department of Defense has increased the overall threat level resulting in the implementation of random force protection measures at all U.S. military facilities and installations, including those of the Arkansas National Guard,” the Guard said in the statement.