Las Cruces-Area Base To Hold Anti-Terrorism Exercise

White Sands Missile Range will conduct an installation-wide full-scale anti-terrorism
exercise on Monday, Oct. 17 and Tuesday, Oct. 18 between the hours of  9
a.m. and 4 p.m. affecting El Paso and Las Cruces gates.  On Oct. 17 an
exercise at the installation's post office will require police and fire
response and will cause a temporary closure from 9 a.m. to noon.  On Oct. 18
the Oro Grande gate will be closed from 8 a.m. to noon for safety reasons.
Residents are asked to plan ahead in order to avoid unnecessary disruptions
to scheduled activities.
        The exercise is part of an antiterrorism measure designed to test
WSMR's ability to deal with real-world scenarios on the installation. The
exercise applies to all members of Team WSMR to include: DoD military,
civilian personnel, supporting defense contractors, and individuals visiting
facilities on the installation.
        Anyone entering the base should be prepared for 100 percent ID
checks. As the exercise unfolds and the Force Protection Condition (FPCON)
levels increase, visitors can expect delays at the entry gates to include
random vehicle checks. FPCON is directed by the Department of Defense to
position military facilities against possible threats. These levels can be
adjusted by commanders based on local conditions, specific threat
information, or guidance from higher headquarters.
        Team WSMR members are asked to use caution and be attentive to
detours when attempting to reach their destinations during the exercise. The
installation's giant voice system will be used to make announcements
concerning the exercise.
        Along with the exercise, U.S. Army Northern Command and Army North
will be conducting tactical training exercises after WSMR's full-scale
exercise.  The Soldiers will assist in WSMR's two-day full-scale exercise,
conduct their training exercise and depart on Oct. 21.
        For more information, visit the WSMR Public Affairs Facebook page at
www.facebook.com/WSMRPublicAffairs or contact the Public Affairs Office at
(575)-678-1134.