Antiterrorism Strategic Communication—iWATCH

Since terrorists struck our Nation on September 11, 2001, massive mobilizations across federal, state, and local governments have been pursued to prevent future attacks. From new federal departments to state-of-the-art surveillance tools, nearly everything has been thrown into this cause. As it is inconceivable to post a soldier or police officer on every corner, endeavors such as the Department of Homeland Security’s slogan campaign “If You See Something, Say Something” have been undertaken to enlist everyone’s eyes and ears.

Because of its role abroad and due to its enormous domestic presence, the U.S. Army is no different when it comes to needing grassroots help. In 2008, the Antiterrorism Branch of the Army’s Office of the Provost Marshal General needed a skilled strategic communications practitioner to implement its plan to enhance antiterrorism awareness. In support of the Army Antiterrorism Strategic Plan, goal 1G, “Enhance Antiterrorism Awareness Throughout the Army Community,” ANSER, an operating unit of Analytic Services, delivered the following:

• Developed a comprehensive antiterrorism strategic communications plan
• Developed and implemented a terrorist watch program - iWATCH Army
• Provided supporting quarterly themes:
  • - Constructed and advanced the Army’s inaugural Antiterrorism Awareness Month
• Generated marketing and educational collateral including:
  • - Poster campaign
  • - Flyers, brochures, pocket guides, historical terrorist attack vignettes
  • - Award-winning public-service announcement promoting iWATCH

Paul Wilkinson, a distinguished British scholar on the topic of terrorism, once said: “Fighting terrorism is like being a goalkeeper. You can make a hundred brilliant saves but the only shot that people remember is the one that gets past you.” Mr. Wilkinson certainly has a point, and the timing of his remark could not have been more forward thinking, as it immediately preceded the 1993 terrorist attack at the World Trade Center. ANSER knows how to mobilize people for the common good, and perhaps more important, we understand how you do not want to be remembered.

Enlisting Everyone

Our Nation has a deep history of organizing the efforts of all its citizens. In colonial times, night watchmen were employed to walk and oversee villages. During World War II, talk of industrial activity and ship movements was reduced with a film entitled Safeguarding Military Information, produced by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. When crime, vandalism, and burglary hit highs in suburban areas in the early 1970s, the National Neighborhood Watch Program was launched.

In each case, our Nation recognized the need to utilize its best resource—its citizens. At Analytic Services, we understand the important role that everyday citizens play in combating terrorism. We are strengthening public institutions by translating decisions into action.

For more information, contact us.