From time to time, we’ll have to travel domestically or to a foreign destination, whether it would be for pleasure or official business such as a TDY or PCS.  And of course, when you’re traveling, it’s in your best interest to heighten your awareness of terrorists, their methods of surveillance and probing, along with other activities.  Fortunately for us, there are numerous resources and tools available to assist you and your family when traveling.

One of many resources available to everyone, including family members, is general Antiterrorism Awareness Training, commonly called AT Level I Training.  Although you can receive this training from any certified unit-level AT Officer, you can take this awareness training online at anytime.  It includes invaluable travel centric scenarios, as well as some insightful inside shooter scenarios.  You can receive the online training at https://atlevel1.dtic.mil/at/.   While not required for family members, all Soldiers are required to receive this training annually.

When traveling abroad or to a foreign destination, the risk of being the victim of terrorist attacks is increased; therefore, there are more Force Protection training required.  In addition to AT Level I Training, Soldiers are required to receive Code of Conduct Training (SERE 100/A) and Influenza Pandemic Training as well.  The SERE 100/A training provides helpful information of what a soldier should do if he or she is captured or kidnapped and held in captivity; this training can be received on Joint Knowledge Online (JKO).  The other required training, Influenza Pandemic Training, will arm you with the knowledge you need to avoid undue sickness while you’re abroad; this training is also available to the general public at https://portal.usarpac.army.mil/piat/default.aspx.  Of course, to prevent delays in your travel planning and preparation, your command should program this training, along with AT Level I Training, at least once a year – preferably before deployment season.

In preparation of a deployment to a foreign destination, you should have a current ISOPREP ProFile record on file in the Personnel Recovery Mission Software (PRMS) database.  USARPAC directs that this database should be review for updates every six month or within 90 days of travel.  The record you submit in this database will help us recover or identify you should you be captured or kidnapped.  Initial submission of a record is simple and only takes 10 minutes or so.  It can be submitted online via Army Knowledge Online (AKO) and reviewed for update on SIPRNet.  However, since is so simple to do, most people just submit a new record on AKO whenever they have to update it.

Finally, Soldiers traveling abroad should receive a current country threat brief from G2 or their supporting S2 within 90 days of travel.  For the 8th TSC, this brief is certified on an 8th TSC Form 4R by your briefer.  It is also a good idea to read about the latest available information about threats and hazard at your destination and other requirements from the Foreign Clearance Guide (FCG) at https://www.fcg.pentagon.mil/.  

Although it’s not required for DA civilians and dependents traveling to foreign destinations while on vacation to comply with these travel requirements, for their own safety they are encouraged review the requirements in the FCG, USPACOM FPCON measures, Force Protection Advisories, and Department of State Travel Alerts and Public Warnings.

Once your required preparation is complete, every Soldier must submit an Individual Antiterrorism Plan (IATP), whether it is for official travel or leave.  This is an electronic version of the Force Protection Packet that was previous submitted and manually routed for approval.   All of the information entered in an IATP record, such as training completion dates, is still the same as the old packet; only the media has changed and the routing and approval is done electronically.  Your unit-level IATP Coordinator will usually verify that all required training and preparation is complete prior to routing your record for approval so it’s a good idea to have your certificates in a handy place when you need to show them.  For your convenience and ease of use, multiple personnel going to the same exercise or TDY can be entered in on a single IATP; there is no limit to the number of personnel listed under an IATP record.  IATP’s can be submitted at any time, however, they should be submitted 45 days prior to departure if possible.  And of course, ensuring that the entries on your IATP record are complete and accurate will make the approval process easier.

Finally, once your IATP is approved at the proper approval level, your IATP Coordinator will submit your theater and country clearance request on your behalf.  Unless there is an emergent situation or informational discrepancy, these clearances are generally approved.  Your IATP Coordinator should inform you when everything is approved. 

At the 8th TSC, your safety and welfare when traveling abroad is our highest priority and there are resources available to assist you with your preparation and training.  Feel free to contact your IATP Coordinator; they are there to help you and your family.