Insider threat: Always be aware of surroundings Published July 7, 2011 By James Coleman Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Antiterrorism Office JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- These are difficult times for everyone in the Department of Defense as budget reductions collide with increased security actions. The misrepresented "religious" war continues overseas and the recent death of the world's number one terrorist at the hands of the American military helps to radicalize individuals both at home and abroad. People support a particular set of ideals may be motivated to action to demonstrate their contempt for America's latest military success. Here at home, the economy continues to stress Americans daily. Though the national unemployment rate is slowly declining, many people including Department of Defense civilians are finding themselves unexpectedly unemployed. This stressor adds to the fear and frustrations of natural disasters, fluctuating gas prices, health concerns and bipartisan politics lend themselves to the creation of another kind of terrorist: Domestic terrorists present no less a threat than their foreign-born counterparts. On the contrary, homegrown violent extremists and lone-wolf terrorists can be more dangerous due to their unpredictability and insider access. The Fort Hood attack in 2009 highlighted the insider threat while the investigations that followed continue to teach us new approaches to identifying and preventing such incidents. Actions taken by co-workers, friends, loved ones, neighbors or acquaintances may indicate danger to others or themselves and should be reported immediately to supervisors, first sergeants, commanders, agency chiefs or law-enforcement professionals. These actions may include: - expressing loyalty to terrorists or terrorist causes or intent to participate in future terrorist events - distributing pro-terrorist literature or information through various media, e.g., handouts, the Internet - supporting terrorist organizations or suspected terrorists with money or resources - researching or purchasing bomb-making materials - recruiting or collecting intelligence for terrorist organizations or suspected terrorists Other activities of people around you may be less clear but could be disruptive and rapidly escalate into a danger to lives or resources. It is strongly recommended you consider talking to your supervisor, first sergeant, commander, agency chief or a law-enforcement professional if you witness someone: - Expressing hatred or intolerance of American society or culture, or outrage against U.S. military operations - Expressing sympathy for intolerant or violence-promoting organizations or individuals - Expressing a duty or responsibility to protect a community in conflict with U.S. national interests - Adopting a new name or new lifestyle, or segregating him- or herself from peer and family groups - Refusing to deploy for political or spiritual reasons - Browsing or visiting Internet websites, without valid reason, that support terrorism, violence or other anti-American themes - Gathering information, e.g., duty schedules, infrastructure, without a valid need-to-know or attempts to obtain other resources, e.g., weapons, military facility maps, night vision equipment, without valid reason - Encouraging disruptive or disobedient behavior - Expressing recurrent, persistent feelings of failure, powerlessness, or frustration over not achieving a goal and blaming someone or something else - Expressing feelings of hopelessness such as having "nothing to lose" - Abusing substances (defined through quantity or impact on regular responsibilities) whether alcohol, prescription medication, or illicit drugs - Experiencing a significant loss, e.g., job termination, death of a loved one, the end of a relationship With most people, these behaviors never transform into acts of violence so it's strongly recommended you don't start a "witch hunt" or "red scare" where everyone going through a difficult time in their lives becomes a potential terrorist. Keep aware of what is happening to others around you and trust your instincts. If someone exhibits some of these behaviors and you get that "something's-not-right" feeling, talk to one of the previously mentioned authority figures. If you feel comfortable, directly engage the suspicious person in conversation to see if you misjudged or if there is any actual reason to be uncomfortable. The Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst plan to make us a harder target against terrorist attack includes the need to observe and report. If it doesn't look right, let someone know who can look into it further or do something about it. Additionally, be sure to engage and connect, if possible, with anyone whose behavior makes you uncomfortable or who may display discomfort around you or your peers. The angry ex-spouse or radicalized believer has less room to maneuver and the shy loner in your unit or agency may become an ally, wingman or battle buddy if you get to know them better. This approach may nip insider threat before it becomes a reality.