US military bases in Europe issue new alert level: FPCON “Charlie”

WASHINGTON (TN) — Several US military bases across Europe are currently on heightened alert.

The alert level is called Force Protection Condition “Charlie”. It is the second highest Force Protection Condition after Delta.

Michael Wallace, a retired military intelligence officer with 20 years of service, experienced a “Charlie” alert while deployed in Africa.

We had pretty clear indications that we were at least being monitored,” Wallace said.

When one of these alerts comes in, Wallace says it’s a big deal because it’s like a mini-city is being notified.

“If you check every car for explosives and thousands of people come to the base, it’s going to take a while,” Wallace said.

Wallace, a professor of emergency and security studies at Tulane University, said this “Charlie” alert may have been issued because U.S. forces had identified a credible threat.

“There are many potential bad guys out there right now planning a possible attack on the United States,” Wallace said.

Sara Harmouch, a doctoral student at American University’s School of Public Affairs, said another reason for the warning could be sporting events in Europe.

This means that they are taking into account a lot of factors at the moment, which play a big role because of the increased attention from the European Championships, the Olympics and everything that is happening in the world,” said Harmouch.

The alert level will likely remain in effect until the possible terrorist threat or target is clarified, Harmouch said.

“I expect this warning to last until August, until further notice,” Harmouch said.

The development was first reported in Stars and Stripes, an independent military publication.