The second highest of four security levels has been temporarily declared at the NATO base in Geilenkirchen: Charlie. What do these levels mean?
At the NATO air base in Geilenkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, tighter security regulations were temporarily in place. On Thursday, the second highest security level was declared there: Charlie. Almost 24 hours later, on Friday afternoon, the warning level was reduced to the previous level Bravo+.
According to a spokesman, the alarm was triggered by intelligence information that indicated a possible threat. All employees who were not required for the operation were sent home as a precautionary measure.
NATO uses four alert levels
In NATO, there are four such threat levels: Alpha, Bravo, Charlie and Delta. Their names come from the phonetic alphabet that the defense alliance introduced in 1953 and correspond to the letters A, B, C and D.
The phonetic alphabet is intended to prevent communication problems or confusion when transmitting information – especially via radio. “Times, places and other information can be reported unambiguously in this way,” says the Bundeswehr.
Since the attacks of September 11, 2001, the current level has been clearly displayed at every Bundeswehr guard building.
And this is what lies behind the alarm levels:
- Alpha: Occurs when there is an increased general threat of possible terrorist activities against persons or institutions, where the nature and extent of the threat are difficult to predict. Alpha has the character of a general warning, the circumstances of which do not justify the initiation of measures containing higher alert levels.
- Bravo: Is declared when there is information about an increased or foreseeable threat of terrorist activities or acts of sabotage, but the specific target of the attack or sabotage is not known.
- Charlie: Applies when an incident occurs or when there is evidence that a terrorist act or an attack on personnel or facilities is likely. When the alert level is declared, plans are put in place to restrict the service of non-essential personnel, among other things. In addition, checks on vehicles and people are increased at the entrances. So-called Spanish riders, mobile barriers made of wood and barbed wire, can also be used to secure the road.
- Delta: The highest alert level is generally declared in NATO when a terrorist attack against a specific location or person has occurred or is imminent. When the Delta security level applies to a military installation, only personnel selected by the commander have access.
NATO has stationed the AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) flying radar system in Geilenkirchen. 14 converted Boeing 707 aircraft operate classic air and sea surveillance from there and act as a flying command center during missions. According to the press office, around 1,600 people normally work at the base, but currently there are significantly fewer because of the holidays. Around half of the employees are now staying at home because of the warning level. However, many are working from home.
Sources: , , DPA
Source: Stern
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