USNORTHCOM raises FPCON: What Does That Mean?
On Friday, May 7, 2015, U.S. Northern Command’s Admiral William Gortney ordered U.S. military bases in the United States to increase their Force Protection Condition (FPCON) from level Alpha, which is the standard, up to level Bravo. What does this mean?
FPCONs establish the minimum protection levels to protect military forces from harm. The commander of U.S. Northern Command, in charge of the military command responsible for Homeland Security, determines the appropriate FPCON level for every military installation in the continental United States. Individual facility and installation commanders may increase their local force protection levels as they feel is necessary, but they must adhere to at least the minimum level prescribed by USNORTHCOM.
Force protection measures include procedures as basic as checking identification cards at the entrance to an installation and requiring credentials to get inside a building. However, when necessary, force protection procedures can become as stringent as inspecting every vehicle, person and bag entering an installation. The five Force Protection Conditions are:
FPCON NORMAL describes a situation of no terrorist activity. FPCON Normal applies when there is a general global threat of possible terrorist activity but it warrants only a routine security posture. A terrorist attack is always possible, but the best information available offers no indication of probable attack. You can expect a routine posture at installation gates.
FPCON ALPHA (now considered the new normal) applies when there is a general threat of terrorist activity, the nature and extent of which are unpredictable, against personnel and facilities. General conditions suggest possible violence, but nothing indicates that this installation is targeted. You can expect random vehicle checks and increased crime prevention efforts.
FPCON BRAVO applies when an increased and more predictable terrorist threat activity exists. Specific information suggests probable violence, but nothing indicates that this installation is targeted. Extra precaution is appropriate to deter terrorist planning. Additional measures may affect operational capability and relations with local authorities. You can expect stricter inspections of vehicles, deliveries, and ID checks. You will see a greater presence of guards on your installation.
FPCON CHARLIE applies when an incident occurs or intelligence is received indicating that some form of terrorist action against personnel and installations is imminent. Evidence of terrorist attack planning may exist, such as terrorist surveillance or reports from local sources. Strong protective measures are required, but the installation must continue its regular mission activities. You can expect rigorous efforts to inspect vehicles and facilities. Military personnel may be required to participate in special guard duties.
FPCON DELTA describes a situation when a terrorist attack is taking place or has just occurred in the immediate area. One notable example of a general FPCON Delta was directly following the September 11, 2001 attacks, when all military installations were placed at FPCON Delta and restricted to only military personnel. FPCON Delta is normally declared as a localized warning. The installation moves to a high state of alert, and mandatory security measures are implemented. Commanders are also authorized and encouraged to supplement mandatory security measures. FPCON Delta may cause delayed or canceled mission activities. You can expect delays and interruptions to daily routines.
Regarding the recent FPCON increase, the Defense Department released a statement saying: “The USNORTHCOM Commander raised the baseline Force Protection Condition as a prudent measure to remind installation commanders at all levels within the USNORTHCOM area of responsibility to ensure increased vigilance and safeguarding of all DOD personnel, installations and facilities. This change, in addition to random drills or exercises, is a mean to ensure that we effectively execute our force protection mission.”
DOD officials claim this is “not tied to a specific, credible threat,” though “recent events have led us to recognize the need to take prudent steps.” However, some experts believe that the elevated alert and Comey’s recent remarks that there is a “real” threat pending.
Following the events of the Garland terror attack and increased talk from ISIS, Department of Defense believed increasing the security condition at military installations across the country was prudent.
Since the birth of NORTHCOM in 2002, the FPCON alert has been increased from Alpha to Bravo on four occasions: Feb. 9, 2003, amid concerns al Qaeda was planning attacks on American targets; Dec. 21, 2003, when officials were concerned about attacks during the holiday season; May 1, 2011, in the aftermath of the raid that killed Osama bin Laden; and the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks.
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