US moves to high terror alert

[Ste]

Credible evidence of attack to rival 9/11

It is the first time in seven months that the US has issued an orange alert - the second highest status after red - and Mr Ridge said the threat was "perhaps greater now than at any point since September 11, 2001".

Worrying? or just another warning to keep people on there toes and ensure gasmasks are a popular xmas present?

[Bob The Scutter]

The homeland security secretary, Tom Ridge, did not give details of the expected nature of a potential attack

theyre probably just saying that because theres more chance of anything happening around now than any other time. not that anything will happen, its more than likely just a case of if it does they can say "we told you so". so they dont look stupid

covering their backs in other words

[Vermillion]

I believe the alert level has increased 7 times in the last 2 years.

Trust me it had better be serious. Every time the threat level increases the US (and Canada) spend tens of millions of dollars on preparedness and staffing readiness. I would like to point out just how much this threat level has damaged my Christmas holiday.

On their assortment of threat increases, I would guess the US has spent about half 3 to 400 million dollars over the last 24 months, and every time the threat level then decreases without incident.

Ok, I guess I'm just bitter because I am one of the people affacted, still, pisses me right off.

[Ste]

What actually happens when the level increases?

[Dante Hicks]

Verm's annual leave get's cancelled.

[Vermillion]

High Condition (Orange). A High Condition is declared when there is a high risk of terrorist attacks. In addition to the Protective Measures taken in the previous Threat Conditions, Federal departments and agencies should consider the following general measures in addition to the agency-specific Protective Measures that they will develop and implement:
-Coordinating necessary security efforts with Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies or any National Guard or other appropriate armed forces organizations;
-Taking additional precautions at public events and possibly considering alternative venues or even cancellation;
-Preparing to execute contingency procedures, such as moving to an alternate site or dispersing their workforce; and
-Restricting threatened facility access to essential personnel only.

[Vermillion]

Originally Posted by Dante Hicks

Vern's annual leave get's cancelled.

Not cancelled yet (knock on wood) but I am on call now...

Stupid terrorists. Now its personal.

[Bob The Scutter]

i didnt even know we was at a high state of alert until i read that article... look how great is the communication in the uk!!!!!!!!!!!

[Grimble v2.0]

HUT HUT HUT HUT HUT HUT HUT*




*:Gimli:

[Ste]

Originally Posted by Bob The Scutter

i didnt even know we was at a high state of alert until i read that article... look how great is the communication in the uk!!!!!!!!!!!

we're not.
The US are.

[Grimble v2.0]

Why is the UK at red alert?

[Vermillion]

Originally Posted by Grimble v2.0

Why is the UK at red alert?

Firstly, its condition orange. Condition red is only in effect in the instance of an actual terrorist attack. Secondly, the US developped its own threat condition colour code with the creation of Homeland security. Its a bit silly, as they have been on yellow or higher ever since the system was created, most people do not even know there are two lower grades of threat condition.

The UK has its own threat level system, it has had one for a very long time, long before Sept 11th. They (like most countries) do not go public with their alert level. If The UK Intel community feels there is a threat to British inteests or territory, they will increase their own alert level, but only a few people outside the direct community (such as me) will ever know it.

[Grimble v2.0]

I take it this isn't about Basement Jaxx?

Red Alert

[Gayle29uk]

Originally Posted by Vermillion

If The UK Intel community feels there is a threat to British inteests or territory, they will increase their own alert level, but only a few people outside the direct community (such as me) will ever know it.

You and anyone who happens to drive past a UK military establishment and can read the huge sign telling them the current BIKINI alert state

[Proteus]

Originally Posted by Gayle29uk

You and anyone who happens to drive past a UK military establishment and can read the huge sign telling them the current BIKINI alert state

So that's what the Bikini thing is all about...

I really should have known that.

Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha

I knew that posting "Lets all hit the whitehouse for a drink with Dubbya" in AOL Chat would cause widespread panic in your nefarious unintelligence community.You fight my battles for me by keeping your nation paranoid and insecure. My work is done without me ever priming a fuse.

Even GD quakes before me and the Army of Allah.

[Vermillion]

Originally Posted by Osamaddam

Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha

I knew that posting "Lets all hit the whitehouse for a drink with Dubbya" in AOL Chat would cause widespread panic in your nefarious unintelligence community.You fight my battles for me by keeping your nation paranoid and insecure. My work is done without me ever priming a fuse.

Even GD quakes before me and the Army of Allah.

This whole gimmic is terribly unfunny.

[Gayle29uk]

Originally Posted by Proteus

So that's what the Bikini thing is all about...

I really should have known that.

It's not nationwide though, it's possible for one place to be on amber while another is on black alpha or something.

TAHITI alert state is another good one, that's more specific (mortar attack if I remember right). TAHITI amber is an experience you don't forget in a hurry (not if you live on a military base).