Planning to travel abroad this summer? Did you travel to a foreign country over the holidays? Perhaps you play on a sports team with someone from a foreign country. While these activities and people seem harmless, your safety and that of your co-workers and family may depend on a conversation you are required to have with your local Security Official or NCIS Agent. Department of Defense personnel must report all foreign travel in advance of travel dates. Security measures detailing defense risks related to the specific foreign country you are visiting are required. The Chief of Navy Operations mandates a briefing every six months for traveling personnel. “It is important for DoD personnel to remember that there are threats to personal safety, as well as to the safety of our country,” said Stephen Baden, Security Specialist for NAWC 7.4.1. “These mandatory security measures exist to ensure personal safety.” Mr. Baden recommends that DoD personnel ask themselves the following questions: Do you stand out as an individual associated with the U.S. military? Do you associate with large groups of Americans who could be viewed as a target? Does your behavior and the behavior of people you are with make you stand out as a possible target? Could a terrorist see you as an important person? When traveling to foreign countries, all DoD personnel must report the following incidents to a counterintelligence agent, security specialist, security manager or other qualified individual: All suspicious requests for information

Contact with foreign nationals

Offers to give you suspicious information

Information concerning Sabotage, Subversion, Espionage, Terrorism, Sedition, Spying, Treason, and Technology Transfer. “Your personal safety is paramount,” Mr. Baden emphasized. “Practice good common sense and risk management to ensure your safe return home.” For more information please contact Stephen Baden, 301-757-2956, Scotty Roysden, 301-995-4716, or Tony Zgainer, 301-342-3237