US personnel maintain vigilance through information, feedback, forethought, caution

Threat reporting continues to indicate an elevated risk of attacks by terrorist groups or inspired lone actors throughout Western Europe. Extremists could target transportation services, sporting events, theaters, open markets, concerts, government buildings, and aviation services. Exercise vigilance when in public places or using mass transportation.

The security of our community members – Soldiers, civilians, contractors, Family members, and more – is of the utmost importance. Therefore, community members are reminded to maintain awareness of and vigilance for potential security threats.

Ensuring personal and community safety is a matter of staying informed, providing feedback, planning ahead, and maintaining good security practices.

Staying informed

Awareness can be an excellent defense against potential security threats. Keeping up with local news outlets and broader international news outlets can help keep you and your loved ones safe.

U.S. Army Garrison Ansbach employs the AtHoc notification system to contact you directly and receive your feedback directly. In case of an emergency situation, the garrison can notify you and update you as an emergency situation progresses. AtHoc users who provide feedback through AtHoc can help emergency personnel respond to the situation more effectively.

For more on the AtHoc notification system and how to sign you or your Family members up, contact your chain of command or your supervisor.

Furthermore, USAG Ansbach can get messaging out through its websites and through social media. To stay apprised of what is of immediate importance, visit the Hot Topics section at the Ansbach Hometown Herald or the Hot Topics section toward the top of the USAG Ansbach home page.

Providing feedback

To help keep you safe, law enforcement and counterintelligence need information, and one of their best sources is you.

Imminent threats and crimes in progress must be reported immediately to the military police or host nation law enforcement (visit here or here for emergency contact information).

To report a potential threat or suspicious behavior, you have iReport. This service is both Web-based and smartphone app-based. To learn more, visit www.eur.army.mil/iReport or https://ansbachhometownherald.com/ireport-smartphone-app.

For the Ansbach area, call 66th Military Intelligence Brigade at 09802-83-2964 or DSN 467-2964. The 24-hour iWATCH hotline is 0162-296-7278. (See Something, Say Something).

Planning ahead

International travel can have security challenges. Fortunately, with a bit of forethought and planning, you can securely navigate these issues.

Below are some easy-to-follow personal security measures to remember and employ on a daily basis:

  • Avoid large gatherings or demonstrations. If you come upon a demonstration, remain calm and disengage from the situation. Avoid speaking loudly.
  • Be aware of your surroundings.
  • Stay away from high-risk areas.
  • Monitor the news for updated information.
  • Travel in small groups (never alone) and vary movements.
  • Always let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return.
  • Try to be inconspicuous. Do not draw attention to yourself.
  • If there is an incident at your destination or any location on your itinerary, inform your unit of your status as soon as possible.
  • Carry a mobile phone if possible and have emergency numbers handy (pre-programmed in phone): The emergency number for German Police is 112. Also see local emergency numbers here or here.

For more on safe traveling, visit https://ansbachhometownherald.com/travel-guidance-and-individual-protection-measures or https://ansbachhometownherald.com/cid-warns-against-posting-holiday-plans.

Maintaining good security practices

Personal protective measures are both a matter of policy and a matter of common sense. According to current policy, uniform wear off of U.S. Army installations is restricted only to direct travel from home to work or from work to home or while on approved official duty. Likewise, wearing physical training gear is prohibited off post. Civilian clothing must be worn while traveling by commercial means.

As a matter of common sense, vehicles should not display decals and stickers that readily identify you as an American. Also, ensure your civilian attire does not overtly indicate you are an American.

To learn more or to read the policy, visit www.ansbach.army.mil/documents/Policy29WearofUniformOffPost.pdf.


Due to the potential consequences of terrorist attacks, it is important to disseminate vigilance messages as widely as possible and as often as necessary. Until threats subside, USAREUR will continue to notify personnel via social media and the AtHoc Life and Safety System. It is equally important to take the time to discuss the security environment with unit personnel and their family members to ensure they are aware and actively practice individual protective measures.

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