[MilCom] Eagle Eyes: early reporting stops terrorism

[Ken]

Hello Dan & the group!!!!

Well to a certain extent I disagree with comments about post 9/11 causing
all these "on scene" problems...  Even before the Eagle Eyes Program see
http://public.afosi.amc.af.mil/eagle/index.asp  (and "9/11' tragedy for that
matter)  at some Air Force active/reserve/guard operational bases, ANYONE
who was next to the fence line was checked out & asked to depart that area
by base security.  Sometimes there's many things going on that may affect
the security posture at a particular military installation.  Additionally,
you really never know what the intentions are of those strangers that may be
parked next to you on scene (it could range from just an enthusiast as
yourself; a mental unstable individual, or even a terrorist about to
attack).

So the term "on scene" military aero monitoring (except for airshows) may
become somewhat historic at this point, perhaps to be replaced by "NEAR
scene" monitoring.  Basically it means setting up your mobile stationary
monitoring/observing either on the approach or departure end of the runways
in a publically authorized parking area (away from base security fencing)  .
Additionally in some instance there may even be a mountain/tall hill that is
further away but with binoculars you will be able to watch & easily monitor
(via radio) the activity as well as get some photos/video, etc......  Of
course it's always possible  that one of those specialized roving joint
military/civilian Airport Covert Surveillance & Security Response Teams
(ACSSRT) may still take an interest in you.

Although the "Eagle Eyes" program (and other military & civilian programs)
is well meaning, IMHO I doubt that the vast majority of base personnel (and
others) would be able to identify any covert surveillance/intelligence
gathering being conducted.  They will however without any problem, spot
every "on scene"  milcom hobbyists very quickly, since we all stick out
pretty easily, e.g. vast array of antennas on vehicles, binoculars, digital
cameras/video cameras, note pad & pen, perhaps also talking on a
ham/frs/murs radio at the same time, etc...

Of course for hassle free "on scene" activities, there's a fair amount of
airshows/base open houses you can still attend this show season.  See the
International Council of Airshows website:
http://www.airshows.org/list_events.php  for a fairly comprehensive listing
of airshows/base open houses, from the smallest to the very largest....

I know at times folks on the various lists become very emotional about
various restrictions, other people's thoughts, etc..  Please just remember
that this is JUST A HOBBY to have some SAFE fun at!!!!

Ken
Springfield MA Monitoring Area

----- Original Message ----- 
From: <domyers at voicenet.com>
To: "Bob" <rdb_alt at verizon.net>; "milcom list" <milcom at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Thursday, August 04, 2005 6:21 AM
Subject: Re: [MilCom] Eagle Eyes: early reporting stops terrorism


>
> ****I am sad our Founding Fathers have to see this from above.*****
>
> "Those willing give up their freedom for the sake of security deserve
> neither".
snip..snip...