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The U.S. Department of State recently issued a travel alert for Europe, reminding those stationed and living here to remain vigilant.
Travel alerts are issued to disseminate information about short-term conditions, either transnational or within a particular country, that pose significant risks to the security of U.S. citizens.
The advisory, issued Oct. 3, is based on information suggesting there is an increased threat of one or more terrorist attacks on both official and private interests in Europe.
“I heard about it on CNN,” said Chief Master Sgt. Lola McLeod, 86th Medical Group. “I always watch the news in the morning before I head out to work. I think you should always have a situational awareness of your surroundings. We know the
environment we live in today and we just need to be more careful, and I think this reminds us to be more careful.”
The chief added that she still very much enjoys being stationed in Germany and the alert does not change her desire to travel and discover Europe.
The statement posted on the department’s Web site reminds U.S. citizens of the potential for terrorists to attack public transportation systems and other tourist infrastructure and advises them to take every precaution to be aware of their surroundings and to adopt appropriate safety measures to protect themselves when traveling.
Though many major news networks have been covering the travel advisory, some are still just now learning about it.
“I didn’t know there was (a travel advisory),” said Airman 1st Class Anthony Moore, 86th Logistics Readiness Squadron. “This is my first duty station, so I’m still trying to figure things out. If they are telling me that there is something going on, then I’m probably going to be more alert than I would normally. Now that I know, I actually want to learn more about it.”
KMC officials advise personnel to always be vigilant.
“Force protection remains a priority across the Kaiserslautern Military Community,” said Brig. Gen. Mark Dillon, KMC commander. “We constantly review our security posture and maintain the flexibility to increase or decrease that posture based on
current conditions. We continue to keep servicemembers and their families updated on changes in our posture.”
Personnel and their families planning to travel should remember to visit the U.S. Department of State Web site, www.travel.state.gov, to see the latest updates on security issues for travelers and U.S. citizens in general. And if traveling across national borders, don’t forget to attend a local defense security brief. KMC military personnel and dependents are encouraged to always remain vigilant for suspicious activity in the local area and report anything they see to “Eagle Eyes” at 480-2050/9911 or 06371-47-2050/9911.
