OCEAN COUNTY – The Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst upgraded its threat alert to “FPCON Charlie” and ordered an evacuation of non-essential personnel due to suspicious packages that were soon revealed to be harmless.
The base’s Facebook page stated that “suspicious packages were reported on the installation. Security forces and our first responders immediately responded, secured the area, and determined the packages posed no threat. We are grateful for the quick and professional actions of our first responders whose vigilance helps keep our community safe every day.”
An earlier Facebook post noted that the base was at FPCON CHARLIE. “Increased security measures are in place. All personnel should remain vigilant, follow the direction of security forces, and report any suspicious activity immediately.”
FPCON stands for “force protection conditions.” According to the federal Defense Logistics Agency, this designation “Applies when a terrorist or hostile incident occurs within the commander’s area of interest or intelligence is received indicating a hostile act, some form of terrorist action or targeting of Department of Defense elements, personnel or facilities.”
The system starts at “Normal.” Then there’s “Alpha,” applying to a non-specific threat of a terrorist attack or hostile act against the military. “Bravo” is the next step up, when an “increased or more predictable threat of terrorism attack or hostile act exists.”
“Charlie” comes next but the highest level is “Delta,” which applies when an attack has occurred or is anticipated against a specific installation or operating area.
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