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Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield increase security
Fort Stewart display

United States Northern Command has increased the security level of all military bases in the U.S., including Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Air Field.

The security level has risen to Force Protection Bravo, meaning that a “predictable terrorist threat activity exists,” according to an Air Force document.

“There is no specific threat,” said Kevin Larson, a spokesman for Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield. “This is done to ensure the safety of service members, their family members and the civilian community.

“Being alert in your community is always good,” Larson added, urging anyone who sees anything suspicious to call 911. “Better safe than sorry.”

In an email, Larson said that “the installation commander has increased the force protection measures (in accordance with) orders from the USNORTHCOM Commander. This change was initiated to establish a proactive, unpredictable frequency of actions to mitigate threats to the installation and protect personnel, assets, resources and infrastructure.”

He went on to say: “This change, in addition to random drills or exercises, is a means to ensure that we effectively execute our force protection mission. Actions of this nature can be expected to be the new norm; through this effort we will produce a discernible element of unpredictability in our security posture and procedures.”

According to a CNN report, the increase in security came after FBI Director James Comey commented on the recent attack in Garland, Texas, by two sympathizers of the self-proclaimed Islamic State, also known by the acronym ISIS, who shot and injured a security guard. CNN also reported that Comey said the “FBI had hundreds of investigations in the U.S. focused on possible extremists who are influenced by known ISIS recruiters.”

Larson said people can expect delays at the Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Air Field gates, and he asked that everyone accessing the installation bring their photo identification. He added that the security level will be at Force Protection Bravo as long as is needed.

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