Bases across the country, including Fort Drum, are stepping up security. The United States military has increased the terrorism threat level on bases from Alpha to Bravo.
The military has four levels of security -- Alpha, Bravo, Charlie and Delta. Each level tells commanders how much security is required to keep bases safe. Lt. Col. Tom Crosson, a spokesperson with the Pentagon, says bases around the country have already been operating at Alpha-plus for most of the year.
“Some of the changes you might see, you might not notice. Obviously we don’t want to telegraph our specific security procedures,” Crosson said.
The changes you may notice at Fort Drum are three closed gates. The 45th Infantry Gate, Nash Gate at Route 26 and Nash Boulevard, and the Black River Gate are closed and will stay that way for a while.
Crosson says you might also see more cars and ID’s checked at entrances. Fort Drum already stepped up their gate security a few months ago. Visitors to the base now have to call 24 hours in advance or be escorted by someone with military credentials.
The increased security measures weren’t triggered by any specific threats. According to Crosson, this is more of the military’s general response to what’s going on in the world.
“The chatter and the chatter of folks like ISIL have generated in the last couple months. That’s a factor but it isn’t the only factor,” Crosson said.
According to the Pentagon, the goal is for bases around the country to take more frequent and unpredictable measures to ward off potential acts of terrorism.