Duffy stresses situational awareness, good judgment

Commentary by Air Force Col. Brian P. Duffy
JBER and 673 ABW commander

12/12/2013 - JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- Arctic Warriors, a recent uptick in our JBER team members being needless casualties in off-duty incidents, in some cases not too far from the installation, has me very concerned.

The Office of Special Investigations recently accomplished a criminal threat assessment using local, state, and federal law enforcement agency sources demonstrating while the overall criminal threat remains moderate, there are areas within Anchorage identified as having higher risk for crime, including violent crimes. I highly encourage you to increase your awareness of our surroundings and understand our environment.

To assist you, the Municipality of Anchorage Police Department publishes a daily "Crime Map;" you can view this important resource at: http://crimemap.muni.org/. While this is not a complete accounting of all incidents and, as described therein, as "preliminary data...subject to change," it can serve as a valuable resource.

Another area that requires our undivided attention is alcohol-related incidents.

Unfortunately, over consumption of alcohol too often leads to serious consequences such as driving under the influence, domestic abuse, sexual assaults and even firearms mishaps. We're certainly not proud to report that JBER team members recorded more than 140 DUIs on and off the installation during Fiscal Year 2013.

Two months into the new fiscal year, we are on pace to pass last year's rate by 20 percent. I ask you to please join me in saying "Enough is enough," especially when you consider the numerous sources of assistance available should all other plans fail.

Finally, we cannot underestimate the realities of living in Alaska; after all, this is the arctic. Abundant wildlife, severe weather, agitating tides, and harsh terrain present their own challenges that have unfortunately claimed too many lives this year.

I encourage you to maximize your time at JBER and enjoy the community and surrounding areas, but to do so safely and responsibly so we can continue our important efforts in defense of our great nation.