Eagle Eyes program requires whole community effort

  • Published
  • Air Force Office of Special Investigations Det. 512
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  The Air Force implemented an antiterrorism program called Eagle Eyes, run by the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, as a result of the 9 - 11 terrorist attacks. Much like a neighborhood watch program, the Eagle Eyes program is an aggressive Air Force-wide neighborhood watch program that educates people on observable activities and what to do if they see something suspicious. The motto for Eagle Eyes is Watch - Report - Protect.

"Eagle Eyes enlists the help of base personnel whether active duty, reservist, family members or civilian contractors and the civilian communities surrounding the base to remain vigilant and keep their eyes and ears open to any suspicious activities," said Special Agent Terry Bullard, AFOSI Detachment 512 commander. "The 2001 attack did not just spontaneously happen. There were precursor events that occurred that eventually led up to the attack. These terrorists conducted surveillance, planned their attacks, sought out training, supplies and rehearsed their operation."

Lessons learned in the federal law enforcement and intelligence communities played a key role in the development of Eagle Eyes. 

"Of most importance, we learned that every terrorist act is preceded by observable activities. These activities usually include surveillance, elicitation for information, tests of security, acquiring certain supplies, a dry run -- practicing the terrorist act, and deploying the assets to commit the act," said SA Bullard. "Once the assets are deployed to commit the attack, it is almost always too late to prevent the act from occurring."

AFOSI Det 512 special agents here are out on the streets in concert with U.K. allies on a daily basis briefing Eagle Eyes information not only to the base community, but also to local vendors and companies that may be of interest to terrorist. Through education, it is possible to train individuals on how to help prevent a terrorist attack from occurring.
"When the community is aware of pre-attack indicators, they can play a vital role in deterring a potential attack," SA Bullard said.

Once a potential indicator is observed, it is reported to AFOSI through various channels. AFOSI then investigates the reported activity.

While Eagle Eyes reports over the past year have taken many forms, some reports which have warranted further investigation and analysis have included: two males were observed taking pictures of Gate 1 and the surrounding area while departing the installation, two individuals were observed taking photos outside of Gate 1 and three males attempted to elicit information from an MOD employee concerning access to the base and the security of the base.

By reaching out to Air Force members, their families and the local community about the Eagle Eyes program through educational briefings and word of mouth, members and their families knew to report these incidents in a timely manner. By reporting these types of incidents in a thorough and timely manner, potential criminal or terrorist plots can be foiled.

"Through education, we believe many incidents can be easily avoided. Simple things like not leaving valuables, such as military identification, military uniforms, or deployment gear in vehicles, can prevent a potential terrorist activity from occurring," SA Bullard said.

Law enforcement officials, to include SFS members and AFOSI special agents, cannot be everywhere at all times.

"The Eagle Eyes program relies on our entire community to remain vigilant," SA Bullard said. "Only you know your neighborhood. Only you know your workplace. Please continue to remain cognizant and continue to Watch - Report - Protect. Your report could very well be the key to saving lives and resources."