100 ARW Force protection awareness notice: UK threat level change Published Jan. 26, 2010 100th Air Refueling Wing Antiterrorism Office RAF MILDENHALL, England -- On Jan. 22, the United Kingdom government raised its terrorist threat level from "Substantial" to "Severe". The threat level for the U.K. was lowered from "Severe" to "Substantial" in July 2009, and the UK government conducts continuous reviews of information gathered through intelligence channels when determining the threat level for the country. The current threat level for the U.K. set by the U.S. government is still at "Significant", which is comparable to the U.K. level of "Severe". Although, there has been no information released to indicate why the threat level was raised, all personnel are asked to continue to maintain a heightened level of awareness. Remain alert for suspicious packages or persons and report all suspicious activity to the Security Forces Control Center (911 Emergency, DSN 238-2667 for nonemergencies). Additionally, all personnel need to know the location of emergency exit points from buildings, unit evacuation plans, and exercise caution when traveling to large cities. Terrorist actions may include but are not limited to, suicide operations, hijackings, bombing or kidnappings. Quick Tips for Safety and Security All personnel are reminded to increase situational awareness at all times and to remember safe and simple individual protective measures such as: 1. Be alert to your surroundings and cautious of your conversation while utilizing public transportation or in public venues. 2. Avoid demonstration areas. 3. Maintain 100 percent passport and ID card accountability. 4. Notify your Chain of Command of travel plans ensuring they have an accurate means of contacting you in case of emergency. 5. Do not display large sums of money. 6. Try to stay low key as much as possible. Don't dress in a manner in which you stand out - blend in. 7. Check for further travel advisory messages from the State Department and/or Embassy (see links below). State Department: http://www.state.gov/ Embassy: http://usembassy.state.gov/ Current Travel Warnings: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_1764.html Anyone with questions or concerns should contact the 100th ARW Antiterrorism Office at DSN 238-3127 or their unit AT representative.