Troops Warned to Be Vigilant -
At Home in the US!

SUBJECT: HQ USNORTHCOM FORCE PROTECTION ADVISORY 00002
(UNCLASSIFIED)

Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Caveats: NONE

FYI

For your information.

As the 5th anniversary of the Iraq war approaches, protest groups are increasing activity, some to include a direct threat to Recruiters, other Soldiers, others with DoD decals and their families.

Areas of concern include:

• Seattle and Tacoma, Washington;
• Pittsburgh;
• Washington, DC.;
• Chicago;
• Chapel Hill, NC;
• New York;
• Orlando; and
• many locations in California.

Mitigation recommendations include standard AT/FP precautions to include:

• Avoid known risks
• Remain vigilant
• Use the Buddy system
• Inspect vehicles
• Do not engage belligerents

SUBJECT: HQ USNORTHCOM FORCE PROTECTION ADVISORY 00002

**************** UNCLASSIFIED// ****************
[redacted]

GENTEXT/REMARKS//
1. (U) This message provides situational awareness and recommended mitigation on United States Army installations and Army leased facilities in the USNORTHCOM area of responsibility.

2. (U) SITUATION: As the 5th anniversary of the Iraqi war approaches, numerous protest groups have stepped up their rhetoric on protesting at military facilities such as recruiting station. While most are peaceful, several groups have taken on a more militant tone and have issued statements that form a direct threat towards certain recruiting stations. Recruiters and all other DoD employees are reminded to be vigilant and aware of their surroundings.

3. (U//FOUO) KNOWN LOCATIONS AND EVENTS:

1. (U) TACOMA, WA: 1230, 15 MARCH 2008 -
   Local protest groups have announced their intention to shut down the Tacoma Mall and the Recruiting Station located at the mall to call attention to the upcoming anniversary of the start of the Iraq War. They want to "make it impossible for business as usual to continue as the Iraq War approaches its 5th year." Anticipated activities include distributing anti-war and anti-military literature, confronting local recruiters or persons trying to enter their facilities, and attempts to interact with soldiers, family members and/or civilians who appear to be military or have DoD decals on their vehicles.

   Recent protests against the war at the Port of Olympia have been marked by increased levels of violence. DoD personnel, family members and civilians should avoid contact, to include conversations or dialogue with protestors. Protestors may be filming activities for reporting in independent media or use in legal actions. Commanders and supervisors should strongly encourage their soldiers, family members, and civilians to avoid the Tacoma Mall area during this time and to report incidents of violence to local police. [redacted]

2. (U//FOUO) MULTIPLE LOCATIONS, 15 & 19 MARCH 2008 -
   Broad spectrums of national groups have organized for a national demonstration called "United for Peace and Justice" and "Call to Action" against the war in Iraq. March 19, 2008, marks the 5th anniversary of the U.S. invasion of Iraq. Protest groups throughout the United States have combined to be part of the largest day of civil disobedience ever, covering fifty states.

   On March 19th, mass demonstrations will take place throughout the nation, specifically in cities such as Chicago, Minneapolis, New York, Tampa, Baton Rouge, San Diego, Seattle, San Francisco, Oakland, and Sacramento, to mention a few.

   Student demonstration websites have announced their attempt to shut down the Hollywood Recruiting Station on 15 and 19 March as they plan to demonstrate heavily on Hollywood Blvd. [redacted]

3. (U//FOUO) PITTSBURG RECRUITING STATION, PA: 19 MARCH 2008 -
   Pittsburg Organizing Group (POG) will be holding a "torch-lit march to a modern-day castle of abominations - our local recruiting station." The group intends to "evict it and everything inside of it, occupy the location, and transform it into something useful for the community. We'll also be bringing a movable cage in which to confine military recruiters until they no longer pose a danger to our friends and neighbors . . . ." [redacted]
4. (U//FOUO) 19 MARCH 2008, NATIONALLY -
   A known protest group is also calling for a "Call to Action" on the 5th anniversary of the U.S. invasion of Iraq, and the beginning of the 6th year of war to have demonstrators be a part of the largest day for civil disobedience protests, covering all 50 states. [redacted]
5. (U//FOUO) SEATTLE 19 MARCH 2008 -
   Protest on 5th anniversary of Iraq war. Demonstrators will converge on Westlake Park at 6 p.m. Thousands of people marched in Seattle in 2002 as the war began in a spirited evening march to the federal building. On March 19, 2008, they are encouraging the community to mark the anniversary with diverse autonomous actions throughout the day such as freeway bannering, vigils, teach-ins, walk-outs, and direct action/civil disobedience, culminating with an evening protest convergence at Westlake Park at 6 p.m.
6. (U//FOUO) FT. LEWIS DEMONSTRATION FOR GI RIGHTS
   22 MARCH 2008 -
   A coalition of organizations including veterans and peace activists are calling for a demonstration supporting GI rights at the gates of Ft. Lewis. [redacted]

4. (U) MITIGATION: Below are recommended mitigation measures to implement, when appropriate .

1. Use the Buddy System when opening and closing leased facilities. [We'd say a platoon or so of buddies!]
2. Screen all mail parcels and packages.
3. At the beginning of the workday, ending of the workday, and prior to vehicle use, conduct a vehicle inspection. [And keep them in a locked garage if at all possible.]
4. Soldiers, civilian employees, contractors, and family members needs to stay alert, notice surroundings, and remain vigilant.
5. Commanders at all levels should establish relationships with local police in order to understand the local threats. [What do they do in places like Berkeley, where the local police do nothing but stand by and watch the protestors attack pro-military groups and individuals?]
6. Keep family members informed. [We know some of you don't want to alarm your families, but they need this information for their own protection.]
7. Talk to other service personnel to share information.
8. Practice OPSEC [and PERSEC]. Don't provide personal information to anyone you don't know. [This should be standard practice all the time.]
9. Avoid high risk areas.
10. Commanders are encouraged to update alert rosters and review emergency evacuation plans/rally points.
11. Ensure all facilities have emergency phone lists posted (FBI, Fire, Police, Hospitals, EMS, etc.).
12. Be aware of and avoid local protests.
13. Report all potential protest activities to your next higher headquarters.

5. (U) Provide copies of all suspicious activity reports to [redacted].

***