Don't be a target Published April 20, 2010 JB MDL Anti-terrorism Office Travel Advisory JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- The risk of becoming an intelligence target increases greatly during foreign travel. As an American military member or government employee traveler with access to useful information, it is possible to become the target of foreign intelligence or security service anytime in any country. The threat is certainly not limited to so-called "unfriendly" countries. Never think an enemy won't attempt an attack because of the risk. Many countries do risk it routinely because the potential benefits are great and the risks are low when an intelligence service is operating on its home turf. Even U.S. Government cabinet-level officials and corporate CEOs have been assigned to bugged hotel rooms and had documents secretly photographed or laptop computers accessed. Do not believe that lower ranks equate to less significant targets. Secretaries, file clerks and cleaning crews are targeted because they can provide access to valuable information. Information, such as building access codes, who works with classified or sensitive materiel, where that material is stored and who might be vulnerable to blackmail, could provide a foreign intelligence or security service agent a valuable target. Any scrutiny to a traveler from a foreign government can occur if the individual: -is perceived to have government, business, scientific or technical information of potential value to a foreign government or a local industry. - has relatives, organizational affiliation or speaks the local language fluently in the country he or she is visiting. -fits a terrorist, narcotic trafficking or criminal profile. - buys or sells on the black market. - is in possession of items that are banned or strictly controlled by the local government. - is associating with individuals the host government considers to be political dissidents. Most activities directed against American travelers are usually subtle and unlikely to be noticed. Others activities are sometimes conducted in a crude, obvious manner. The Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Anti-terrorism team encourages the base community to remain vigilant when traveling to foreign countries. Practice situational awareness at all times and bring little attention to oneself. Call the JB MDL Anti-terrorism Office at 754-1397 for more information.