FORT POLK, La. –– The Army has designated August as Anti-terrorism Awareness Month. The Antiterrorism Branch will use this opportunity to train, educate and increase the installation’s overall awareness. As the 11th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001 is commemorated, it is important to remain vigilant, especially in light of the recent death of the attack’s mastermind. The AT Branch will focus its efforts on heightening awareness and vigilance to protect the Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Polk community from acts of terrorism.

The Department of the Army AT Awareness Month theme is, “Know Your Surroundings.”

The goal is for all Soldiers, civilians and Family members to understand the concepts, principles, roles, responsibilities and suspicious activity reporting procedures. Last year, Fort Polk’s AT Awareness and iWATCH programs were introduced. The iWatch mission is to get the word out to Soldiers, Families, civilians and contractors about how they can help prevent terrorism and protect the community.

The AT Branch will saturate the installation with posters, brochures and other visual aids during AT Awareness Month to ensure that every Soldier and Family member knows what suspicious behavior and indicators are, and understands the importance of reporting suspicious activities.

Unfortunately, extremist ideologies and terrorism continue to threaten the Army and nation. The culture of the Army must evolve to recognize that the threat may come from within. If someone says or does something that can be described as suspicious, it is your duty to report that activity. You are the first line of defense against terrorism.

The Fort Polk community must understand the terrorist threat, take actions to detect and deter terrorists, and report all suspicious activities. Many people have noticed something that raised their suspicions and made that simple call to 531-COPS (2677). To those concerned heroes, thank you. It only takes one report to prevent something atrocious.

Every member of the Army community plays a part in this fight.

If you have any questions regarding AT Awareness and iWATCH, call 531-0413 or email mitchell.smith3@us.army.mil or Dusty Andrews at 531-6007 or email dusty.andrews@us.army.mil. Remember the AT slogan: “See Something … Say Something!” Report all suspicious activities to 531-2677 or the Antiterrorism Hotline at 531-6584.