Surveillance--the enemy is watching Published Oct. 9, 2008 By SA Nicole Goodwin 934th Airlift Wing Minneapolis, St. Paul -- Only you know who or what belongs - or doesn't belong - in your building, neighborhood or work center. Recognition of this fact is behind one of the Air Force antiterrorism initiatives, a program known as "Eagle Eyes." The Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI) sponsors the Eagle Eyes program, a program with characteristics typical of a neighborhood watch program. Air Force officials consider it a key piece in the service's antiterrorism strategy. Activity that should be reported can be classified into seven broad categories: elicitation, tests of security, acquiring supplies, suspicious persons out of place, dry runs, deploying assets and surveillance. In our second installment of the Eagle Eyes series we spotlight surveillance, which is simply defined as close observation of a group or a person. Every terrorist operation is preceded by precursor events that people need to recognize and report. Terrorist acts don't just happen - they are carefully planned and rehearsed many times in advance. Criminals and criminal organizations operate in much the same way. Two areas should be considered for potential surveillance. The first is "physical surveillance," or recording and monitoring locations, activities and people. This can be accomplished very simply via low-tech means such as note taking, drawing diagrams, writing on maps, or using binoculars. High-tech monitoring consists of devices such as cameras (both still and video), vision enhancing devices (such as night vision goggles), surveillance aircraft and even satellites. The second area is "surveillance of the cyber world," or recording and monitoring websites, cell phones, phone/fax lines, e-mails and IP addresses. This is easily done by observing someone at a public place, such as a library, internet café, or at work. For example, in a recent news piece widely circulated in the US, it was revealed that al-Qa'ida conducts extensive online intelligence gathering online to assess targets. And, of course, there are many high-tech methods employed by hackers and technology experts. The enemy is interested in watching us any time; however, you should be aware that our activities are of more interest during political unrest, world conflicts or war. Why conduct surveillance? What do they have to gain by watching us? The obvious answer is information. The information they gather on our security, our routines and habits, our communications, our capabilities, our strengths, our weaknesses and vulnerabilities is a vital tool when planning an attack. Surveillance can happen anywhere. It most likely occurs where we work (the Minneapolis-St Paul IAS Air Reserve Station) or other military and government facilities. Don't forget softer targets such as where we like to play or hang out. When you frequent a club or bar every week, you establish a pattern, perhaps not just for you, but a pattern for Americans associated with the military and/or the Department of Defense in general. And, finally, ask yourself where do you feel the most comfortable? Most people will say at home. Please do not forget the lessons learned at Kobar Towers and the Oklahoma City Federal Building. Be aware of the possibility that you or your home may be a target for surveillance. The Eagle Eyes program is essentially about force protection. Don't let yourself become fearful to the point of obsession. Get out and enjoy your time both on and off duty. Be an effective member of the USAF team and do the job you were trained to do. Just remember to be attentive, be educated on the warning signs of a criminal or terrorist attack, and use common sense. The key to effective force protection is vigilance not paranoia. If you have an incident to report, immediately call the Law Enforcement Desk 24 hours a day at commercial phone number 612-713-1102, or contact AFOSI during duty hours at DSN: 783-1077 or at commercial phone number 612-713-1077. Security Forces will contact the resident agent when they are not in the office.