EUCOM begins force protection assessment

Published March 16, 2006

STUTTGART, Germany (USAFENS) -- Commander, U.S. European Command, Marine Gen. James L. Jones, recently directed a comprehensive force protection assessment of all installations and facilities within the U.S. EUCOM area of responsibility.

The review is currently under way and will be completed within the next 60 days; any required corrective actions will be taken immediately.

This assessment is part of EUCOM’s on-going efforts to protect its personnel, family members and installations. Periodic reviews will be conducted to ensure high levels of readiness are maintained throughout the command.

“Force protection is my number one priority,” General Jones said. "Although current security procedures in-place in and around EUCOM installations are good, force protection can never be treated as 'business as usual' ... there is always room for improvement."

The review will identify areas for improvement and provide recommendations to command authorities for enhancing all areas of force protection and physical security throughout the theater.

"It is an assurance we especially owe to those who are deployed supporting missions in Iraq and Afghanistan whose families remain behind in Europe," General Jones said. "They need to know we are doing all we can to protect and care for their families."

“We greatly appreciate the force protection support we're receiving from national and local host nation officials,” General Jones added. “We look forward to their continued assistance as we push forward with our assessment.”

In addition to installation security initiatives, all EUCOM military, civilian and contract members are directed to conduct appropriate personal force protection measures at all times.