Terrorism...how can you prevent it? Published Aug. 3, 2009 By Tech. Sgt. Vincent A. Mouzon 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- Terrorists hope to intimidate us into changing our domestic and international political policies, our religious practices or to strip us of the freedoms we enjoy in our day-to-day lives. Described as the "calculated use of unlawful violence or threat of violence to instill fear," terrorism is intended to coerce or to intimidate governments or societies in the pursuit of goals that are generally political, religious or ideological. Shaw's threat working group receives indications of pre-operational terrorist activities throughout the continental United States on a daily basis. The working group analyzes the available information and determines terrorists' most-likely course of action. Then they implement anti-terrorism measures designed to mitigate or prevent a terrorist act. "Everyone is affected directly or indirectly by terrorist acts," said Mark Miller, 20th Fighter Wing anti-terrorism officer. "Relatives of victims have to grieve the loss of loved ones and aid personnel in the healing process. "The rest of us," he added, "may be affected economically or socially through temporary or permanent policy changes affecting our daily freedoms." There are ways you can prevent being a target of terrorism, Miller noted. He advocates being "a hard target. This is accomplished first through education, such as U. S. Air Force Level 1 Terrorism Awareness training as well as researching threats in your area." Information is available from AFOSI and open sources like the internet or news articles. Also, experts stress remaining alert to your surroundings, being unpredictable, practicing sound operational and computer security, and reporting suspicious activity to the security forces or the office of special investigations. Family members also can help prevent terrorist acts too. Family members may spend more time in our neighborhoods than we do. They know what's suspicious and what's not. We need them to report suspicious activity and practice sound crime prevention too. For more anti-terrorism information visit www.fbi.gov or www.state.gov.