Army recognizes garrison antiterrorism expert

When assessing force protection at U.S. Army Garrison Kaiserslautern, James Miller looks for vulnerabilities with a grunt’s eye.

The U.S. Army recently recognized Miller, 43, for his contribution to antiterrorism efforts in the KMC.

“It’s always a team effort,” Miller said. “As a force protection officer, it’s never about ‘I.’ It’s about ‘we,’ as a team, to make this community safer.”

A key member of the garrison’s Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security, Miller was included in the Army’s 2012 antiterrorism awards program honor roll. Johanna Kelly, a force protection officer at U.S. Army Garrison Baumholder, also received the honor.

Miller, a native of Rockford, Ill., served as an infantryman and a Special Forces Soldier. He retired in 2008 and has worked in Germany for three years. He uses his military experience to view posts as an attacker might, then creates ways to lessen vulnerabilities.

“He brings a good set of qualities for a force protection officer,” said Jeffrey Crisp, deputy to the garrison commander. “His strength is in his ability to build a team. That’s what Jim is good at and the award reflects that.”

Miller has brought together Soldiers and German police into a working group, who developed force protection plans – an effort recognized by visiting inspectors as a best practice.

When senior leaders visit and large community events are held, Miller’s team helps evaluate security. His improvements have increased the force protection posture for 18 garrison posts in area covering roughly 1,150 square miles.

“You’re talking about an area nearly the size of Rhode Island,” Crisp said. “But it’s one piece you don’t have to worry about, because he’s got it.”