U.S. Army Force Protection Training

Force protection training has evolved in recent years. In the past, the training was concentrated on bases and personnel in foreign countries. After 9/11, force protection training had to focus on bases and personnel within the U.S., as well. There are five forms of force protection: deterrence, prevention, active security, passive defense and mitigation. Depending on the situation, these forms can be used singly or in combination.

Deterrence

• The presence of well-trained, equipped and disciplined troops can often result in protection. Conducting random antiterrorist (AT) activities, such as changing routines, ID check points and appearing to have a larger defense force, can deter an attack. Training includes identifying false identification papers, checking vehicles for explosives and staying alert.

Prevention

• Prevention means being able to “neutralize, forestall, or reduce the likelihood of an imminent attack.” Collecting intelligence about a potential threat, sharing the information with all protection units and taking actions based on that intelligence is often enough to prevent an attack. Training soldiers to question civilians about potential terrorist activity is a key element of this training.

Active Security

• Active security involves conducting activities designed to “detect, interdict, avert, disrupt, neutralize, or destroy threats.” Patrols are sent out to look for signs of enemy activity. Information collected, if any, is passed to protection planners, so that the appropriate steps can be taken to prevent or eliminate threats. Convoy and installation security forces are used to confront threats as they occur. Soldiers practice small-unit tactics and patrolling. Convoy and installation security training often involves an opposition force (OPFOR) made up of friendly troops. The opposition force simulates an attack, and the security force reacts accordingly.

Passive Defense

• Passive defense means using static barriers, fortifications and the terrain to protect installations and personnel. Objects, such as earthen berms (either natural or man-made), sandbags, bunkers and concrete barriers, are commonly used. On many permanent installations, guard-triggered, pop-up barriers are used at entrance gates. Other methods of passive defense include camouflage and smoke screens. Protection forces are trained to recognize natural terrain suitable for protection and how to properly camouflage equipment. Training with combat engineers is used to coordinate building larger obstacles, bunkers and trenches.

Mitigation

• Mitigation involves minimizing the effects of an attack. Actions to protect the force include effective redisposition of troops to replace casualties, prompt evacuation and treatment of those casualties, and replacing fortifications damaged by the attack. Troop training includes using an opposition force to simulate an attack, practicing first aid for “wounded” personnel and executing command and control measures in response to the attack.