Force protection responsibility extends to all Published Sept. 25, 2008 By Brandice Armstrong Tinker Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla., -- Day after day, Tinker's Antiterrorism and Force Protection officials work to prevent danger from slipping through the gates. But, it's not a one-office job. Officials said Tinker's workforce has an active part in preventing criminals and terrorists from harming base personnel. Act as a sentinel, and report suspicious behavior to the 72nd Security Forces Squadron. Also, guard common access cards, or CAC cards, from reaching the wrong hands, and when off-base, don't discuss work-related activities, officials said. "People [in general], are getting very complacent because [the United States] hasn't had a problem since Sept. 11, 2001," said Jonathan Leathers, Installation Antiterrorism officer. "Complacency will get you in trouble. The bad guys didn't go away; they're just quiet right now." To protect the base, Tinker's Antiterrorism and Force Protection officials monitor potential threats including how buildings are constructed, hardening the base's perimeter and access control, and stand-off distances between buildings and parking lots. Based on their findings, officials take action to protect the installation. Civil engineers, security force professionals, unit antiterrorism representatives, and many others also work very hard to keep the installation safe, Mr. Leathers said. Despite their efforts, protecting CAC cards is really up to a cardholder. Mr. Leathers said approximately six CAC cards are lost each work day, with almost 700 missing cards a year. "All the gate hardening we do and all the protective measures we take are useless if somebody gets a hold of one of these cards and is able to use it to get on to the base," Mr. Leathers said. "It's like leaving keys to your car or house out, or leaving the access code to a gated community in plain sight." Mr. Leathers said operations throughout the United States are trying to get a hold of identification cards and will duplicate them for all sorts of purposes. To prevent the cards from getting in the wrong hands, Mr. Leathers said do not wear the card off-base and do not keep a card in a car overnight. "You don't do that with money, you don't do that with credit cards," he said. "CAC cards should be secured. Don't use them for collateral at bars and an open bar tab." Eb Bauer, Installation Operations Security officer, said competitors, who aren't necessarily interested in aircraft, may eavesdrop on a conversation once they see a badge present. By wearing the cards off-base, it is publicizing Tinker Air Force Base to the general public and those who might not have the best intentions for personnel on base, which is also why work-related conversations, should not be discussed off-base, he said. Force protection is not just about physical security. Mr. Bauer said even a simple work-related off-base conversation can lead to trouble. "It makes us an easy target for competitors, those who look to compete for a contract, and there our lots of contracts on this base," Mr. Bauer said.