By Devon L. Suits
Army News Service
WASHINGTON — Terrorism continues to be a persistent threat, as violent extremist organizations and individuals with radicalized ideologies are still a known danger to Army installations and personnel, an antiterrorism expert said Aug. 10, 2021.
August is Antiterrorism Awareness Month and an opportunity for all Soldiers, civilians and Family members to increase their understanding about extremism, terrorism, insider threats and cybersecurity vulnerabilities, said James Crumley, the antiterrorism deputy division chief for the Office of the Provost Marshal General.
“Each member of the Army community should be actively involved in combatting against these threats through sustained vigilance and prevention,” Crumley said. “These efforts support the Army’s top priorities of people and readiness.”
The threat to national security is becoming increasingly more dynamic and complex, Secretary of the Army Christine E. Wormuth wrote in a letter to the force to highlight the 12th annual monthlong observance and call to action.
The Army’s protection efforts and personnel must evolve to match the ever-changing threat, Wormuth added.
Army leaders must commit to eradicating extremist activity across the force and apply deterrence efforts, all while empowering personnel to speak up and report a potential risk, Crumley said.
“Lessons learned from past terrorist and extremist attacks revealed at least one bystander who had observed a pre-attack indicator failed to report. If you see something, say something,” Crumley added.
Crumley said timely reporting is critical to the investigation process and allows military and civilian law enforcement a chance to verify a potential threat.
“An actively involved community is key to preventing a terrorist or extremist attack or an insider threat ..
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