On June 30, 2024, EUCOM (United States European Command) was put on Force Protection Condition (FPCON) level “Charlie”. The heightened alert status is in effect for several United States military bases located in Europe. EUCOM is staying tight-lipped about the nature of the alert status, saying, “For operational security reasons, we will not get into specific measures, but we remain vigilant." This action is relatively significant as “Charlie” is the second highest alert status for FPCON, only coming before level “Delta” after a terrorist attack has occurred.
What exactly is the FPCON system? Designed by the Department of Defense, the Force Protection Condition is used to identify preventive actions and responses to terrorist threats against U.S. personnel and facilities. According to pendleton.marines.mil, “the system is the principal means for a commander to apply an operational decision on how to protect against terrorism and facilitates coordination among DoD components and support for antiterrorism activities.”
How significant is FPCON level “Charlie”? According to pendleton.marines.mil, “CHARLIE applies when an incident occurs or intelligence is received indicating some form of terrorist action or targeting against personnel or facilities is likely. Prolonged implementation of CHARLIE measures may create hardship and affect the activities of the unit and its personnel.” It essentially means that a significant terrorist threat is currently being reasonably expected, and personnel are reacting accordingly.
Sources:
Force Protection Conditions. https://www.pendleton.marines.mil/Main-Menu/Base-Information/Force-Protection-Conditions/
Bertrand, N. (2024, June 30). Several US military bases in Europe on heightened alert amid possible terrorist threat. CNN Politics. https://www.cnn.com/2024/06/30/politics/us-military-bases-europe-alert/index.html
Johnson, R. (2024, June 30). US military in Europe on heightened terror alert. https://www.newsnationnow.com/us-news/military/military-bases-europe-terror-alert/
News, A. (2024, June 30). Several US military bases in Europe put on heightened state of alert, US officials say. ABC News. https://abcnews.go.com/International/several-us-military-bases-europe-heightened-state-alert/story?id=111560635
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