JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas –
U.S. Army North (Fifth Army) hosted an anti-terrorism and force protection workshop at the Fort Sam Houston Community Center July 25-28.
Force protection leaders from other installations gathered to discuss current trends and future strategies on improved methods and changes for security of Army facilities, Soldiers and their families, and Department of Defense civilians.
More than 60 force protection personnel from 21 commands, including Air Force, Navy and the Marines, attended the week-long workshop to discuss changes and improvements.
“This is taking the group responsible for the protection of every Soldier, civilian and family member in North America and getting them all working together in both anti-terrorism and force protection,” said Michael Trapp, U.S. Army North deputy provost marshall,. “It’s focused on the Army – Soldiers, civilians and family members that are affiliated with the Army. Obviously there’s joint gain when providing protection, but our focus here is protecting the Army forces in North America.”
Throughout the event, guest speakers and subject matter experts delivered presentations on key changes aligning with force protection measures.
“This year we were privileged to have a speaker who focused on operational security as it applies to protecting technology and keeping the edge for the United States Army in weaponry and tactics,” Trapp said.
During the last two days, groups solved problems and looked for innovative ways to better protect the Army through a tabletop exercise.
“It’s great to talk to like organizations,” said Tonya Heinbaugh, U.S. Army War College security manager. “We’re a small organization, like Arlington National Cemetery and West Point, where we still have a lot of public that come onto our installation. This is perfect to network and learn about best practices.”
Future workshops are scheduled later in the year that will focus on tailorable force protection measures for each individual installations and organizations based on mission requirements and needs.