Making it to Safe Base

THE ADF is now operating under a new protective security alert system, following a recent decision by the Defence Committee that called for a review on the old WEATHERCOCK Alert System.

The new system, known as the SAFE BASE Alert State System, was officially implemented on February 20 and will provide greater flexibility in determining the appropriate alert state to be applied in specific circumstances.

Director-General Operation SAFE BASE Air-Cdre Gary Waters said recent changes in the nature of the world security environment - primarily the events of September 11, 2001 - caused the Department of Defence to review its protective security practices and procedures.

"The SAFE BASE Alert System improves on the previous system by aligning security practices to international best-practice and provides greater flexibility to employ a range of appropriate and cost-effective security measures," he said.

"The WEATHERCOCK Alert System - circa late 1980s - was successful but it needed to be enhanced so as to accommodate today's security environment."

The five alert states are Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta and Echo. SAFE BASE Alpha is the lowest of the alert levels and provides the foundation for all higher alert states, with Echo signifying the highest security threat.

Air-Cdre Waters said changes to alert levels will be based on advice provided by Head Defence Security Authority (DSA) and will be directed by Head Strategic Command on behalf of the CDF or Secretary.

"Commanders and executives will have sufficient flexibility of action to take individual measures if necessary to accord with local conditions.

"In preparation for higher alert states, managers and commanders will be responsible for identifying activities that are deemed essential.

"A supervisor or commander who decides a unit must remain staffed for operational reasons should use common sense in identifying those positions and civilian employees required to remain at work."

He said the DSA and Regional Security Offices would advise companies under the Defence Industrial Security Program (DISP) of changes to the SAFE BASE alert states.

"It is a contract manager's responsibility to advise non-DISP companies about any changes to an alert state."

Regional Security Manager ACT/NSW Karen Zeitlhofer said the alert states have been divided into a number of functional areas including personnel security, asset security, activity security, movement security, information security and security planning.

Air-Cdre Waters said an introduction training package would be presented to Defence personnel upon recruitment and a continuation training package is being developed by DSA for various promotion courses - including civilian courses.

"By improving its Protective Security Alert System, Defence is in a better position to adopt an appropriate security posture to deal with any circumstances that may arise and remains capable of providing military forces when and where needed.

"The SAFE BASE Alert System increases Defence's ability to respond to today's security circumstances in a flexible, adaptive and cost-effective manner."

By Pte Alisha Carr