Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.
Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/610029
DECEMBER 2-8, 2015 UCW 9 WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM Tightened Security Remains In Effect at Military Bases by JEFF THOMPSON The terror attacks carried out in Paris have sparked global security concerns, from questions about the safety of landmark buildings, air travel and major public events to the potential risks of just being in the wrong neighborhood cafe at the wrong time. The attacks have revived concerns about the threat of attacks against U.S. military installations. Nearly a decade ago, six radicalized Islamic men conspired in a plot to "kill as many soldiers as possible" at Fort Dix, New Jersey. Fortunately, that plot was foiled. But details of the investigation suggested just how vulner- able the nation's military facilities are. The degree to which installation security has improved since 2001 is not hard to measure. Five years earlier, then Lt. Gen. Jack Keen commanded Fort Bragg. He was concerned because the it was an "open post." There were no gates, and traffic flowed freely through the reservation. Keen was asked at a news conference about fencing off the sprawling installa- tion. His response was that it would be next to impos- sible because it would cost millions of dollars. Then came the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York, Washington, DC and Pennsylvania. Soldiers at Fort Bragg were hunkered down when the Pentagon ordered the base into "forced protection condition delta" — the military's highest state of alert. Traffic backed up at some gates as soldiers inspected cars and questioned drivers. It was the first time in many years that security had been so tight at Fort Bragg. "I think it is extraordinary," said Lt. Gen. Dan K. McNeill, Fort Bragg's Commanding General when he learned of the attacks. "From where I sit it appears to me that this is someone waging war against America." A year later, McNeill was commanding Army forces in Afghanistan. He went on to receive his fourth star and has since retired and now makes Fayetteville home. Today, the Fort Bragg Physical Security Office provides oversight of security including an auto- mated installation entry system, intrusion detection systems and explosives detection. Fort Bragg says it accomplishes the mission through implementation and evaluation. Soldiers, family members and regular vendors must have registered Department of Defense identification cards to gain access, according to Instal- lation Physical Security Officer Mickey McQuain. All commercial vehicles must enter the Knox Street Truck Plaza to have their vehicles inspected and processed. As part of this process, a National Criminal Information Center check is conducted for vetting purposes on all personnel in the vehicle. Visitor passes are issued to persons with valid reasons for entering the post. Passes are issued for up to 90 days for all non-DoD personnel. The system allows registered DoD personnel to act as "trusted travelers" which means only the driver has to swipe his/her identification card; not one for each passenger. • Casual Atmosphere • Impressive Wine List • Parties & Catering • Carry Home Service 910.867.8700 1400 Walter Reed Road, Suite 130 (All American Freeway & Owen Drive) HOURS: M-S 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. • Sun. 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. BUON NATALE Appetizers: Brushetta • Stuffed Shrimp Entrees: Veal Rollatini • Seafood Fradiavolo Chicken Mediterranean Desserts: Cannoli • Tiramasu Fresh Seafood Specials Daily Authentic Italian Cuisine Stuffed Cannelloni Pizzeria & Restaurant