WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. military has raised the security protection measures it is taking at its bases throughout Europe, asking service members to be more vigilant and keep a lower profile due to a combination of threats it is seeing across the region.
U.S. European Command said in a statement Sunday that a “variety of factors play into the safety of U.S. military community abroad.”
Increasing the threat level to Charlie, the second-highest of five levels for service members, is the result of a combination of events occurring across Europe, including elections in France and the U.K., the upcoming Olympics and other major sporting events, and the ongoing wars in Ukraine and Gaza, according to two U.S. officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity to provide additional details. But they said they were unaware of any specific threat.
Pentagon deputy press secretary Sabrina Singh would not say Monday whether bases in the Middle East, Africa or the Indo-Pacific were at similar increased force protection levels. However, one of the officials said that many of those bases, especially bases throughout the Middle East and Africa, already maintain higher security levels.
Force protection Charlie is instituted “when an incident occurs or intelligence is received indicating that some form of terrorist action or targeting against personnel or facilities is likely.” The highest of the five levels is Delta, which applies where a terrorist attack has occurred or when intelligence indicates terrorist action against a person or place is imminent, followed by Charlie, Bravo, Alpha and Normal, the minimum level.
Raising the threat level to Charlie means additional security measures will be in place at U.S. military installations, but it’s up to each commander’s discretion to determine what those measures are. It also means service members and their families who are living in each community should be more aware of their surroundings and maintain a lower profile, one of the officials said.
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The U.S. military has enhanced security measures at its bases across Europe, urging service members to exercise increased vigilance and lower visibility due to a mix of perceived threats in the region. The decision to elevate the threat level to Charlie, the second-highest of five levels, stems from various factors, including upcoming elections in France and the U.K., imminent sporting events such as the Olympics, and persisting conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. U.S. European Command emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of the American military community abroad.
Although no specific threat has been confirmed, the heightened security posture is a precautionary response to the volatile situation across Europe. Pentagon deputy press secretary Sabrina Singh refrained from commenting on whether similar security measures were implemented at bases in other regions like the Middle East, Africa, or the Indo-Pacific. However, sources revealed that many bases in these areas already operate at elevated security levels.
When a base is under Force Protection Condition Charlie, it indicates a credible threat or intelligence of potential terrorist activity targeting personnel or facilities. This level is below Delta, the highest threat level, reserved for situations where a terrorist attack has occurred or is imminent. Following Delta are levels Charlie, Bravo, Alpha, and Normal, the lowest level of security alert.
By raising the threat level to Charlie, additional security protocols will be implemented at U.S. military sites. Commanders have the authority to determine specific measures to enhance protection. It is advised that service members and their families residing on these bases remain cautious of their surroundings and maintain a discreet presence to ensure their safety and security during this heightened period of alertness.
