MCRD/ERR PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. -- The Depot started its annual Anti-Terrorism/Force Protection exercise to increase awareness of the possibility of terrorist activities as well as the measures used to counter those activities Tuesday.The three-day exercise was designed to test the Depot's capability to analyze intelligence, apply concepts and procedures outlined in the Depot's AT/FP Plan (DepO P3302.1 w/ch 1), and conduct response/recovery operations in the event of a damaging terrorist attack.From the military policemen at the gate, to the command center where tactical decisions are made, Marines performed tasks that will enable the Depot to deal with terrorist threats and acts. The training is an annual requirement for Marine Corps installations and a common sense training evolution for Marines, as it can save their lives.During the exercise, the Crisis Management Team was convened to challenge its decision making process as it moved through the scenario. Specific objectives included exposing all Marines aboard the Depot to a terrorist threat, and exercising the CMT and communication networks and procedures, to include the Emergency Warning System. The CMT also implemented various anti-terrorism measures to include personnel and assets from the Tri-Command area as well as local and state agencies. It tested the reaction of Depot security forces to protect mission essential areas and implemented the mass casualty plan to incorporate the Branch Medical Clinic, Naval Hospital Beaufort, and Beaufort Memorial Hospital personnel and facilities. Throughout the exercise, the CMT also verified the content of the Depot AT/FP Order; exercised intelligence collection and dissemination procedures, and monitored gate sentry procedures to control access onto and off the Depot.The exercise also required establishing the Disaster Control Center, progressing through increasing Force Protection Conditions, and actually responding to simulated emergencies utilizing Depot emergency services like PMO, the Fire Department, and medical services.Depot personnel were used as role players to further test the Depot's response capability.All scenarios used were fictional, but based on the goals and methods of an actual terrorist organization.The success of such exercises (which translates into success in real situations) lies in the training and planning conducted on a recurring basis. From the Marine Corps Institute course on anti-terrorism to hip-pocket classes taught by small unit leaders, awareness and knowledge are the keys to thwarting the acts of terrorists. See next week's edition of The Boot for more coverage from the AT/FP exercise