- NATO Employs Distinct Alerts Levels Represented by Alpha, Beta, Charlie, Delta
The NATO has boosted security at its airbase support facility located in North Rhine-Westphalia's Geilenkirchen. Starting from Thursday, the base operates at its second-highest security level, codenamed Charlie. This security upgrade was initiated due to intelligence suggesting a potential danger, as confirmed by a spokesperson. In response, all non-essential personnel have been sent home as a safety measure.
NATO's Security Levels: Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, and Delta
NATO has a total of four threat levels: Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, and Delta. These names are derived from the phonetic alphabet, which was introduced by NATO in 1953, corresponding to the letters A, B, C, and D. The phonetic alphabet is designed to minimize miscommunications and mistakes, especially over radio. As per the German Armed Forces, it allows for the unambiguous reporting of "times, places, and other information."
Ever since the September 11 attacks, the threat level has consistently been displayed at every guard post of the German Armed Forces.
Background Information on the Alarm Levels:
- Alpha: This level applies when there's an elevated possibility of potential terrorist activities threatening people or facilities, with the specifics of the threat being hard to predict.
- Bravo: This alert is issued when there are indications of an escalating or anticipated threat from terrorist activities or sabotage, but the target of the attack or sabotage remains unknown.
- Charlie: This level is applicable when an event occurs or information indicates that a terrorist action or attack on personnel or facilities are imminent. Upon activation of this alarm level, preparations to restrict services for non-essential personnel commence, along with enhanced access checks for vehicles and individuals. Occasionally, roadblocks consisting of "Spanish riders" - mobile barriers constructed from wood and barbed wire - are employed.
- Delta: This is the highest alert level, usually declared when a specific location or person is under direct threat from a terrorist attack or is about to be. If the security level in a military facility is Delta, only personnel selected by the commander is granted access.
At Geilenkirchen, NATO operates AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System), which includes fourteen repurposed Boeing-707 aircraft. These aircraft conduct traditional air and sea surveillance and serve as flying command centers during operations. As per the press office, around 1,600 people typically work at the base, but the current workforce is significantly lower due to the holidays. Half of the employees are currently working from home thanks to the warning level. The others have been sent home.
Given the increased threat level at the Geilenkirchen airbase, which has been elevated to Charlie due to potential danger, the NATO authorities have strengthened their security measures. The second-highest security level, Charlie, requires preparations to restrict services for non-essential personnel and enhanced access checks for vehicles and individuals.
