When You Need Force Protection For Your Family: What Your Kids Need To Know

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Keeping military service members safe no matter where they are in the world can be a challenge. In or out of uniform, there are threats to military personnel who live and work outside the U.S. Some of those threats can impact the families of service members as well.

Force protection or security may be present to offer an additional layer of safety for military members, but there are often situations where you as a member of a military family will need to rely on personal measures that you take. While military families with children are unlikely to be located in war zones or dangerous areas, the threat of terrorism and violence against the U.S. military community is present anywhere in the world.

To that end, you must teach your children personal force protection skills to keep them safe outside of their home and immediate military community. Here are some things your kids can do to avoid standing out as a U.S. military dependent when living in other countries.

1. Don't label yourself as an American. Avoid clothing or accessories with U.S. flags or that look like U.S. military uniforms. 
2. Buy clothing from the area where you live so you blend in. Wearing expensive athletic shoes, for example, can make you stand out and identify you as being a non-native.
3. Be aware of and follow where possible any local religious customs. If others stop and pray during the day, you should not feel that you need to pray, but you should be quiet and respectful and not draw attention to yourself by being active or loud.
4. Watch your surrounding area. Be aware of any people who are moving unusually or covertly, such as by trying to hide, by scanning the crowd for a long period or by taking photos or videos. Also be alert to people who may be following you. 
5. Don't get overly engaged in activities. Don't appear to be ignoring what's going on. Limit time on your phone or reading a book so you don't look like a target.
6. Vary your routes and routines. Don't walk the same path or get a drink at the same place every day. You may be noticed and targeted.
7. Try not to be alone. If you can travel with a friend or family member, you're less likely to be a target.

Be sure to listen to the recommendations of any force protection officials assigned to work with you and your family, and never try to avoid their security measures. It's the best way to keep yourself and your family, including your children, safe in another country. For more information, visit security websites like http://www.ssnwhq.com.

30 June 2016