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***image1***Issue:
I have a concern with our force protection at the base entry points. On numerous occasions, I have observed American- and German-plated vehicles ignoring the security guards direction to pull over for a vehicle inspection. No action was taken to halt these vehicles at the gate and they were allowed to proceed without a search. What is going to stop a terrorist from ignoring the direction of the guards and proceeding onto our base undetected?
Response:
Thank you for your awareness and concern for force protection here at Ramstein. When each Bundeswehr unit performing entry control duties arrives at Ramstein they receive training on proper entry control and inspection procedures. Additionally, on-the-job training takes place with the departing unit so they receive hands on experience before they assume control of these responsibilities on their own.
Bundeswehr units are trained to stop vehicles at the entry control point if they have ignored instructions at the inspection points and to return them to the inspection point for a proper search. If the vehicle ignores these instructions as well, we have direct communication with the Bundeswehr, they relay the vehicle information to our control center, and we dispatch patrols to locate the vehicle, verify their entry credentials, forward their information to command channels for violating entry control procedures, and returning the vehicle to the search area when appropriate. If the Bundeswehr make an assessment that a vehicle is a threat to the installation or is purposefully evading a search for the purpose of doing harm, their rules of engagement allow them to take whatever action is necessary to protect the residents of Ramstein and the critical resources on the installation from a hostile attack. In the future, if you have further concerns please contact the 568th Security Forces Squadron operations superintendent, Senior Master Sgt. Kevin Peters, at 480-2009.
