Explanation of Force Protection Conditions (FPCON)
The Force Protection Conditions (FPCON) system is mandated by Department of Defense directive. It describes progressive levels of security measures in response to Force Protections to U.S. Army personnel and facilities. The FPCON system is the baseline and foundation for development of all force protection plans and orders. Declaration of a particular FPCON and implementation of appropriate security and protective measures may be decreed by higher headquarters (Department of the Army, Military District of Washington), or the garrison commander following receipt of intelligence through official sources or following an anonymous threat. There Are Five Force Protection Conditions: FPCON NORMAL: Local security measures designed for implementation when there is no credible threat of terrorist activity. Under these conditions, only a routine security posture designed to defeat the routine criminal threat is warranted. FPCON ALPHA: This applies when there is a general threat activity against personnel and/or installations, the nature and extent of which is unpredictable, and circumstances do not justify full implementation of FPCON BRAVO. 1. At regular intervals, personnel will be advised to report the following to appropriate law enforcement or security agencies:
2. Suspicious personnel, particularly those carrying suitcases or other containers, or those observing, photographing or asking questions about military operations or security measures (such suspicious personnel and/or activities should be reported to the Military Police at 677-6622/23);
3. Unidentified vehicles parked or operated in a suspicious manner or in the vicinity of U.S. installations, units or facilities;
4. Abandoned parcels or suitcases;
5. Any other activity considered suspicious. FPCON BRAVO: This applies when an increased or more predictable threat exists. In addition to the measures required by FPCON ALPHA, the following measures will be implemented: 1. Increase the frequency of warnings as previously required under FPCON ALPHA, and inform personnel of additional threat information as appropriate;
2. Inform soldiers, civilian employees and family members of the general threat situation to stop rumors and prevent unnecessary alarm;
3. Move automobiles and objects such as trash containers and crates a safe distance from potential targets;
4. Verify the identity of all personnel entering the installation by inspecting ID cards or grant access based on visual recognition;
5. Increase the frequency of random identity checks (inspection of ID cards, security badges and vehicle registration documents). FPCON CHARLIE: Applies when an incident occurs or intelligence indicates some form of threat against personnel and/or facilities is imminent. Implementation of FPCON CHARLIE measures, for more than a short period, will probably create hardships for personnel and affect the peacetime activities of units and personnel. Implement the following: 1. Continue all FPCON ALPHA and BRAVO measures or introduce those which have not been implemented;
2. Verify the identity of all personnel entering the installation, facilities and activities. Inspect ID cards, security badges or other forms of personnel identification. Visually inspect the interior of all vehicles and exterior of all suitcases, briefcases and other containers. Increase the frequency of vehicle inspections;
3. Reduce installation access points to the absolute minimum necessary for continued operation;
4. Erect barriers required to control the direction of traffic flow. FPCON DELTA: Implementation applies in immediate area where a threat attack has occurred or when intelligence indicates terrorist action in a specific location is likely. Implementation of FPCON DELTA normally occurs for only limited periods of time over specified, localized areas. Implement the following: 1. Continue all FPCON ALPHA, BRAVO and CHARLIE measures or introduce those which have not already been implemented;
2. Inspect all vehicles entering the installation, facility or activity;
3. Limit access to those personnel with a legitimate and verifiable need to enter;
4. Inspect all baggage (suitcases, packages, and briefcases) brought on the installation for presence of explosives or incendiary devices, or other dangerous items;
5. Cancel or delay all administrative movement that is not mission essential. The decision to implement a particular FPCON is a command decision. It is based on an assessment of the Force Protection, vulnerability of personnel or facilities, criticality of personnel or facilities, availability of security resources, impact on operations and morale, damage control considerations, international relations and the potential for U.S. government actions to trigger a terrorist response. Frequently, information concerning the Force Protection is limited to general descriptions of terrorist capabilities and intentions. Often, specific tactics and targets are not identified until it is too late to implement deterrent measures or until after an attack has already occurred. For this reason, the absence of specific information concerning the immediate threat does not preclude implementing a higher FPCON and/or taking additional security measures when general information indicates an increased vulnerability or heightened risk to personnel and/or facilities exists. | 
