Seen RAMs running at Tinker? Published June 26, 2009 By 72nd Security Forces Squadron TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- On some morning as Tinker personnel come to work, they may be asked to pull their vehicle over so it can be inspected as they enter the base. Security Force professionals, maybe with a military working dog or a handheld explosive and drug detection device, will inspect the vehicle and if everything checks out, send drivers on their way. The process is part of Random Antiterrorism Measures. So what is a RAM? Simply put, it is a tactic used to detect, deter or deny actions by a terrorist or criminal. These measures come in all forms, from checking cars and personnel at the gates, to random ID and bag checks in the workplace. All these steps are designed to let potential "bad guys" know the installation is actively looking for them or any of their activities. Derived from Force Protection Conditions which dictate security and defense measures, RAMs increase as the FPCON goes up. The measures are implemented in a strictly random manner, never using a set time frame or location for a given measure. To be effective, all units on base and their personnel must fully support the RAM program. In addition to Security Forces personnel performing RAMs, other units are tasked by the Antiterrorism Office to perform RAMs in their buildings and work areas. This insures the work force stays involved and allows coverage in more areas than Security Forces can reach alone. What's the benefit of a RAMs program? Are RAMS worth all the inconvenience they can sometimes cause? Recently, a team of terrorists planned an attack in the New Jersey area. Now infamously called the "Fort Dix Six," the men planned to attack a military base and kill as many servicemen as they could. They looked at two prime targets; McGuire AFB, N.J, and Fort Dix, N.J. They would have attacked McGuire but in doing their surveillance, they noticed Security Forces professionals conducting RAMs on inbound vehicles at the gate. The McGuire Security Forces were alert and looking out for possible terrorist actions. The terrorists saw no such activity at Fort Dix and selected it to attack as it was the "softer" target. Fortunately, an alert employee of a video store called the FBI after he noticed suspicious activity. The FBI was able to infiltrate the group and successfully arrest, prosecute and convict the men of plotting a terrorist attack. The RAMs, and an alert citizen prevented a large attack and potentially saved hundreds of lives. What can you do to help? Now that you know what RAMs are and how necessary they are, if you are selected to have a RAM conducted on you, cooperate with the people performing the RAM. They did not dream up the situation to inconvenience or harass you. It is being done for your protection and the protection of the vital assets on this installation. Second, if your unit selects you to conduct a RAM, take the responsibility seriously and do the job to the best of your ability. Report suspicious items or activities to your supervisor or the Security Forces. The life you save may be your own.