RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- As the days grow shorter and the holiday season continues, many military members and their families from the Kaiserslautern Military Community will enjoy the sights, smells, and tastes Europe has to offer as they travel, visit Christmas markets, or enjoy a New Year fireworks display.
Spending time with family and enjoying a break is important for the resiliency of the members here. However, the recent incident in Berlin reminds us all of the importance of vigilance as this holiday season continues.
“This time of year provides us the opportunity to spend time with our loved ones and to enjoy all that Europe has to offer,” said Brig. Gen. Richard G. Moore Jr., 86th Airlift Wing commander. “While we take time to recharge and reconnect, we need you to stay vigilant as this season continues to ensure we all stay safe.”
There are several steps KMC members can follow to minimize their risk of becoming a target for terrorist or criminal activity as they travel.
One step to reduce the risk of becoming a terrorist target is to avoid or minimize time spent in mass gathering locations. These can include airports, train stations, concerts, and holiday markets. It is also important to travel at least in pairs, never alone. Another precaution is to avoid wearing clothes that identify someone as American or in the military. This includes garments with sports logos, American flags, or military symbols.
As before, the off-base uniform policy still restricts members from wearing their uniform other than travelling between home and their duty location. Walking off base and riding a bike or motorcycle while in uniform is prohibited. Military members should not exit their vehicle while in uniform unless it is an emergency.
KMC members are also at risk of becoming victims of criminal activity during this time of year.
“The holidays provide a perfect opportunity for criminals to take advantage of vacationers away from their homes,” said Lt. Col. Jason Sleger, 569th U.S. Forces Police Squadron commander. “With so many empty homes and valuables packed in vehicles as people travel, it provides an ideal opportunity for break-ins; and as they visit crowded locations, it increases their chances of being pick-pocketed.”
There are multiple precautions KMC members can take to reduce the risk of their home becoming a target while they travel. If possible, they should arrange for a trusted neighbor or friend to maintain their home in their absence to ensure it appears occupied. For example, do not set garbage out days before scheduled pickup. This is a common practice that is a dead giveaway of a person’s absence. Second, position the rolladens as other German neighbors would, do not overtly flag the home as being unoccupied. They should also regularly remove all mail from mailboxes, secure windows, and double lock doors. It is more secure to double lock a door with the key instead of merely pulling it closed. While most German doors automatically lock when pulled shut, it does not turn the deadbolts, making it easier to be pried open.
While travelling, one should be cognizant of where they keep belongings on themselves, in their vehicles, and while on public transportation. Valuable items, or indications of valuables such as chargers and cases, should be kept out of sight when left in a vehicle. It is also important to always lock car doors, no matter how long they intend to be gone. Most vehicle thefts occur because a valuable is openly displayed within the vehicle, or because the owner failed to lock the doors or fully close the windows.
“Whether you are staying in the local area or travelling abroad, enjoy yourself but always remember to take precautions to stay safe," Moore said. “I hope everyone in the KMC enjoys a safe and happy holiday season!”
European Command directives require all Department of Defense travelers to register in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, or STEP, at https://step.state.gov/step. This is a free service the U.S. Embassy uses to communicate important information about country-specific safety warnings and allows them to contact members in emergencies.
For more information about safety throughout the holidays, call the 86th AW Antiterrorism office at DSN 480-7029 or commercial 06371-47-7029, or email them at 86AW.AFTP@us.af.mil.