JRM raises FPCON to Bravo amid regional tensions

Joint Region Marianas raised its Force Protection Condition, or FPCON, level from Alpha to Bravo, on June 14, citing heightened vigilance in accordance with Department of Defense protocols.

While there is no specific threat to the island, JRM officials state. The shift reflects broader global and regional security concerns, according to local officials. The precautionary move applies to all U.S. military installations across Guam.

“Base personnel and visitors may notice increased random antiterrorism measures and are encouraged to remain alert and report any suspicious activity,” officials stated on a Facebook post. “We will continue to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates as necessary. For now, normal operations will continue with appropriate modifications to access procedures and base activities as required by FPCON Bravo guidelines.”

According to a statement from Adelup, the governor was briefed on the heightened measures.

“[Rear Adm. Gregory C. Huffman Mietus] assured the governor that there are no specific threats to our region at this time. We remain in close communication with Joint Region Marianas and continue to monitor the situation closely,” Krystal Paco-San Augustin told media, adding that “world events, most recently the Israeli-Iranian conflict, prompted the changes.”

The official comments followed messages shared widely on Whatsapp chats across the island regarding the increased FPCON level. One message read: “Team, trusted traveler has been suspended. NBG is at FPCON Bravo. Please stay vigilant & if you see something, say something. Please share with associates as well.”

The FPCON Bravo level typically involves increased security patrols, ID checks and restrictions on base access, according to a U.S. Marines website. Base personnel and visitors may experience delays or additional screening measures. Operations will continue as normal, with modifications where needed.

The elevated posture also follows renewed tension in the western Pacific. This week, Japan lodged a formal protest to Beijing after Chinese J-15 fighter jets flew dangerously close to Japanese surveillance aircraft over international waters—at one point closing within 45 meters—according to Al Jazeera and the Associated Press. The jets were operating from China’s Liaoning and Shandong aircraft carriers, which were deployed together in the Pacific for the first time.

Officials said updates would be provided as the situation evolves.

FPCON is a DoD approved system standardizing DoD’s identification of and recommended preventive actions and responses to terrorist threats against U.S. personnel and facilities, U.S. Marines site explains.

The system is the principal means for a commander to apply an operational decision on how to protect against terrorism and facilitates coordination among DoD Components and support for antiterrorism activities. This system is defensive in nature but proactive enough to give the commander the flexibility to protect the DoD elements, personnel resources and interests. 

The FPCON level is set by each major command and applied to its theater of operations. These commands use all available threat intelligence to help make an informed decision. 

The FPCON system does two things to counter terrorists or other hostile adversaries:
(1) It sets the FPCON level at Normal, Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, or Delta. 
(2) When an FPCON level is set, certain force protection measures are implemented. For example, if an Army garrison elevates to FPCON Charlie, you might see increased security measures at the gates, or even gate closures and the presence of additional security forces.

At FPCON Normal a general global threat of possible terrorist threat activity exists and warrants a routine security posture.

FPCON Alpha there is an increased general threat of possible terrorist activity against personnel or facilities, the nature and extent of the threat are unpredictable.

FPCON Bravo applies when an increased or more predictable threat of terrorist activity exists.

FPCON Charlie applies when an incident occurs or intelligence is received indicating some form of terrorist action or targeting against personnel or facilities is likely. At this stage a 100% ID card check is required.

FPCON Delta applies in the immediate area where a terrorist attack has occurred or when intelligence has been received that terrorist action against a specific location or person is imminent. There is a 100% ID card check. mbj