This purpose of this pamphlet is to inform you and your family about terrorism and measures you can take to reduce your personal vulnerability. Historically, Americans normally worried about terrorism when traveling abroad. However, with the recent examples of terrorist violence in the United States such as the World Trade Center bombing in 1993 and the bombing of the Oklahoma City Federal Building in 1995, we now know that terrorism can strike here at home as well. Hopefully, the information in this pamphlet will help you avoid becoming a victim of a terrorist incident.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

Traveling to and living in foreign lands can be a rich and rewarding experience. Whether Service members, family members, DOD civilians or contractors, we are afforded opportunities many Americans could never even imagine. The odds are your experiences will be incident free, and your chances of losing valuables or having to cope with an unexpected illness or injury is far greater than becoming a victim of violence.

Americans, especially those in uniform, must be careful when traveling abroad - but no more so than if we were passing through a high crime area any large city in the United States. Just as you would take steps to protect yourself and your family from the ordinary criminal here, you should take similar steps to defend against the criminal, and the terrorist, overseas. You can narrow the chances of becoming a victim even further through increased awareness of potential problems and careful planning.

TERRORISM

The Terrorists - Generally speaking, terrorists are dedicated people who believe they are participants in a dynamic social or political process. However, these people cannot achieve the changes they desire through the normal political process and inevitably resort to violence.

You will find that terrorism is the stock in trade of all extremist ideologies, whether on the far left or the far right.

Terrorist Objectives - The common strategy of all terrorists is to commit acts of violence that draw the attention of the people, the government, and the world to their cause. The terrorists plan their attack to obtain the greatest publicity, choosing targets that symbolize what it is against they are fighting.

Terrorist Tactics - Terrorist operations are planned and carried out with considerable expertise. Terrorists seek to exploit the target's vulnerabilities and minimize their own risk.

For the most part, terrorist acts are limited to six basic forms: bombings, assassinations, armed assaults, kidnapping, barricade and hostage situations, and hijackings. Bombings are the most common.

The operations themselves are normally meticulously planned, allowing for the greatest chance of success and the safe escape of the terrorists.

PLACING THE THREAT IN PERSPECTIVE

Acts of terrorism are usually performed to provoke overreaction, produce widespread fear, and attract the attention of the media. These acts are, in effect, "theaters of violence."

Sensationalized by media coverage, terrorism has caused many of us to become fearful of overseas travel. But, is this fear truly justified?

No one is immune to terrorism, anymore than we are immune to ordinary criminal violence. However, the vast majority of foreign countries have a very good record of maintaining public order and protecting residents and visitors from terrorism and crime. The simple fact is, you are more likely to be involved in a serious traffic accident than an act of terrorism.

We are not defenseless against terrorism anymore than we are against ordinary criminals. The United States has devoted considerable resources to protect its citizens, in and out of uniform. Moreover, you personally can take positive steps to deter the terrorist.

Alert, aware people who are prepared for the threat and have minimized the likelihood they will fall prey to terrorists and other criminals are often too difficult a target. In the long run, if you adopt some of the pointers in this pamphlet, you can truly enjoy your travels wherever they may take you.

A positive mental attitude is the key.

CRIME PREVENTION AND TERRORISM

Although the threat of terrorism may seem overwhelming, the truth is, the steps you would take in a simple personal crime prevention program apply to the terrorist as well. The best advice in an area of the world subject to terrorist activity is to view your situation as if you were passing through or living in a high crime urban environment and act accordingly.

Learn about your destination - the culture, language, local customs, history of criminal activity and local laws. This can be done by consulting your library, a travel agent, airline or tourist offices, or talking to people who have been there.

Once you arrive, become familiar with your environment. Know what is normal in order to detect the unusual. Remember, terrorists as well as ordinary criminals need information to plan and execute a successful operation. Through surveillance, they hope to learn your habits and assess where you are vulnerable. By taking some basic security precautions, you not only disrupt their intelligence gathering efforts, but in so doing demonstrate vigilance and a genuine concern for security.

Consult your local law enforcement office on how to protect your home, your car, and your family in general from crime. Local crime prevention programs, neighborhood watch, and other activities are excellent ways to ward off potential problems.

Don't leave your crime prevention attitude at home. When you are traveling, officially or on leave, just out shopping, and even at the office, remaining cautious and alert can often be a lifesaver. Don't limit crime prevention to just yourself. Involve the family. Most important of all - practice crime prevention. Just knowing what to do is not enough. As with anything you want to do well, you must continually reinforce what you have learned.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

Be alert to your surroundings; know and respect local customs and laws. Be inconspicuous; do not call undue attention to yourself. When possible, try to be unpredictable; vary days and times of activities and routes you regularly travel.

Being informed is also important. Be aware of any potential problems in areas where you might be traveling or assigned. Your own personal security consciousness and precautions should increase as the situation warrants.

PROTECTlNG YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY

Consider the criminal or terrorist potential in otherwise ordinary activities.

- Never admit strangers without proper identification into your residence.

- Refuse all unordered packages.

- Don't give out unnecessary information over the phone.

- Keep a low profile and don't advertise your military affiliation.

- Dress and behave conservatively. Avoid styles that don't fit in the local area, military accessories or military styled clothing.

- Similarly, when traveling, avoid military style luggage such as B-4 bags - use nondescript civilian luggage.

- Remove military decals, name tags, or other military ID from your luggage and briefcase.

- Don't wear flashy, trendy, or faddish apparel that attracts unwanted attention.

- Avoid typically American items such as cowboy boots or baseball caps - try to blend in.

- Be polite and low key. Avoid loud conversations and arguments.

It is important to put your personal affairs in order. An up-to-date will, power of attorney, and other measures will ensure your family's financial security. Above all else. Remain Alert. Look for and report any suspicious persons or activities to police officials.

TRAVELING ABROAD

Upon arrival in-country, select a room between the second and eighth floors too high for easy access by criminals and low enough for fire equipment.

Early on, identify emergency exits and stairwells and know where to find and how to use fire extinguishers.

Consider ways to make your room more secure, and not advertise you are there.

When you leave your room, try to give it the appearance someone is still there. Hang the "Do Not Disturb" sign on your door at all times.

Don't be a noisy American guest. Avoid frequent exposure on balconies and in windows and in using the lobby to conduct business or for lounging.

Be careful answering the door. Don't do so automatically. Check to see who it is first through the peep-hole or a side window. Answer the phone with a simple hello, not your name. Only allow people into your room whom you know or expect and refuse items or packages unless you are certain of the source.

Protect your valuables. Use the hotel safe. And when practical, keep your room key in your possession.

AWAY FROM HOME

When traveling, avoid carrying possible controversial material such as gun magazines, religious books, pornography, or magazines that can offend or antagonize.

Examine your luggage when your bags arrive at the pick-up point. Use locks and make sure they haven't been tampered with. If so, contact the airport police.

Always look for the suspicious and make mental notes of the dress, appearance and behavior of persons acting strangely.

Report anything suspicious. It is better to be embarrassed by a false alarm than not report a potentially dangerous situation.

On board your plane, mentally note the other passengers and check the area immediately surrounding your seat.

Know where help can be found, namely US military installations, the American embassy or consulate, or even American businesses that can offer assistance.

HOSTAGE SURVIVAL

It is unlikely you'll ever be taken captive; but if the unlikely does occur, remember the following:

- Stay in control. Regain your composure as soon as possible and face your fears. Your captors are as nervous as you are, so what you do is important.

- Do not irritate your abductors. Develop a positive relationship and portray yourself as a human being deserving respect.

-- This will ease your own burden and can result in better treatment.

-- If your captors come to regard you in this light, it will be more difficult to mistreat you. Share photos or mementos that will reinforce your human qualities.

- Stay active. Exercise daily, read anything and everything, write if permitted, and establish some form of routine lending normalcy to your daily living. Eat what is offered. Maintain your strength and health.

- If interrogated, adopt a simple, tenable position and stick to it.

- Be polite, give short answers, talk freely about unimportant matters, but guarded when subjects become sensitive.

- If your captors wish to photograph you, let them. This will confirm you are alive and give some idea of your condition.

Should a rescue attempt be made, drop to the floor and remain there. Do whatever your rescuers tell you to do. If released, and others remain behind, bear in mind derogatory remarks may make things harder for those still held hostage Any escape attempt should be made only after careful consideration of the risks, chances of success, and detrimental effects on detainees left behind.

LIVING WITH THE THREAT