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R.I. Arsenal not altering security measures
Posted Online: Nov. 06, 2009, 7:59 pm
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By Jonathan Turner, jturner@qconline.com
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Like virtually all military bases across the country, the Rock Island Arsenal will not make security changes in light of Thursday's mass shooting at Fort Hood, Tex. Garrison spokesman Eric Cramer said he couldn't discuss specific changes to Rock Island's security profile or force protection levels, but there have been no changes to those, he noted Friday. "There's no need to increase force protection," Arsenal commanding general Yves Fontaine said Friday. "We just need to increase awareness. "If you see an individual acting differently for whatever reason, that awareness needs to pop up and provide that service," to prevent harmful behavior, he said. Of Thursday's shooting, Gen. Fontaine said: "This can happen anywhere. It's a real tragedy. "My prayers go out to the casualties, the families of the casualties and wounded as well," he said. "I feel bad about it, but these types of things can happen anywhere." Maj. Gen. Fontaine -- who heads the Army Sustainment Command -- directed that all personnel on Arsenal Island observe a moment of silence at 1:34 p.m., marking the time of Thursday's gunfire at the Texas Army base. The Arsenal's American flags also flew at half-staff. Rock Island Arsenal has about 7,500 employees, including 70 federal and commercial tenants. Current security says that U.S. citizens visiting the Arsenal must present valid photo identification card, such as a driver's license, to enter the island. Non-U.S. citizens must have a current passport or Resident Alien card, must be escorted by a citizen and must register a week in advance before visiting. Fort Riley in Kansas announced that security measures at its base will be adjusted in light of Thursday's attack. It will remain an open post, but random checks will be conducted at each of the entry points. A spokesman for the Army, Lt. Col. Lee M. Packnett, said he was unaware whether security measures were put in place at other military bases, according to msnbc.com. "As far as the Army is considered, this was as an isolated incident," Lt. Col. Packnett said of the Fort Hood tragedy. 
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