"Eagle Eyes" program works to increase vigilance Published Dec. 6, 2007 By Detachment 120 Air Force Office of Special Investigations CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- As a result of the 9-11 terrorist attack, the Air Force implemented an antiterrorism program called "Eagle Eyes," which is run by the Air Force Office of Special Investigations. Much like a neighborhood watch program, the Eagle Eyes program is an aggressive Air Force-wide neighborhood watch program that educates people on observable activities and what to do if they see something suspicious. The motto for Eagle Eyes is: Watch; Report; Protect. "Eagle Eyes enlists the help of base personnel whether active duty, reservist, family members, or, civilian contractors and the civilian communities surrounding the base to remain vigilant and keep their eyes and ears open to any suspicious activities," said Special Agent Tyler Vance, Detachment 120, Air Force Office of Special Investigations Counterintelligence Program manager. "The 2001 attack did not just spontaneously happen. There were precursor events that occurred eventually leading up to the attack. These terrorists conducted surveillance, planned their attacks and rehearsed their operation." Lessons learned in the federal law enforcement and intelligence communities played a key role in the development of Eagle Eyes. "Of most importance, we learned that every terrorist act is preceded by observable activities. These activities usually include surveillance, elicitation for information, tests of security, acquiring certain supplies, a dry run - practicing the terrorist act, and deploying the assets to commit the act," said SA Vance. "Once the assets are deployed to commit the attack, it is almost always too late to prevent the act from occurring." The OSI Det. 120 special agents are out on the streets daily, briefing Eagle Eyes information not only to the base community, but also to local vendors and companies that may be of interest to a terrorist. Through education, it is possible to train individuals on how to help prevent a terrorist attack from occurring. "When the community is aware of pre-attack indicators, they can play a vital role in deterring a potential attack," said SA Vance. Once a potential indicator is observed, it is reported to OSI through various channels. OSI then investigates the reported activity. Here are some examples of what has been reported through the Eagle Eyes program to Det. 120 in the last year: several mobility bags were stolen from vehicles parked in various locations in Clovis; possible surveillance of the Portales gate operations; an unknown male attempted to elicit information from active duty members at a local park regarding rotations; and several instances where fraudulent DD Form 2's were used as identification at local businesses. By reaching out to Air Force members, their families and the local community through educational briefings and word of mouth, these incidents were reported in a timely manner. By reporting these incidents, potential criminal or terrorist plots were foiled. Through education, many incidents can be easily avoided. Simple things like not leaving valuables, such as military identification, uniforms, or deployment gear in vehicles can prevent a potential terrorist activity from occurring. Law Enforcement officials, to include OSI special agents, cannot be everywhere at all times. "The Eagle Eyes program relies on you to remain vigilant. Only you know your neighborhood. Only you know your workplace. Please continue to remain cognizant and continue to watch, report and protect," said SA Vance. To report suspicious activity, call OSI at 784-2511 or the 27th Special Operations Security Forces Squadron law enforcement desk at 784-4111.