MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (USTCNS) --- Force protection has become a household name since the terrorist attacks more than two months ago. From MacDill's front gate to the newspaper's front page, the words "force protection" keep everyone aware of potential attacks.

Extra security checks vehicles at the gates, extra guards are stationed throughout the base and everyone is reminded to be extra careful both on and off duty.

But military leaders feel protecting the gate is not enough. Because the base is surrounded by water, new actions are in place to protect the MacDill peninsula and its people.

MacDill security personnel have worked extensively with representatives from the Coast Guard to enforce a new 1,000-yard security zone around the base. This zone is to remain clear at all times, and law enforcement officials on the water now have authority over matters within the zone.

"We basically teach people how to make themselves a hard target," said Tech. Sgt. Joey Tisdale, 6th Security Forces Squadron anti-terrorism/force-protection program manager.

The security zone, increased water patrols and overall security mindset of MacDill members help make the base a hard target.

"We didn't have this before, because we never had the need to implement it. Before, the only way we could arrest somebody was if that person actually set foot on the ground at the base. But now we can keep that as a clear zone. If a person comes within our area, we can challenge him."

Another force-protection measure in place requires all mariners register their vessels with the 6th Security Forces Squadron. The reasoning behind the registration is so law-enforcement officials can quickly identify military members, retirees, base civilians and family members while they're out on the water.

Richard Reymann, a retired Air Force technical sergeant, said he doesn't have a problem registering his boat with the base and thinks it should have been done a long time ago, even before the Sept. 11 attacks.

"It's the same as my vehicle," Reymann said. "It didn't cost anything to register my boat, just the time to go down there, but I've got all the time in the world. This will keep people out of here who have no business here."

Tisdale said that anything that looks suspicious should be reported.

"We only investigate things after we get so many reports on a certain incident, even the smallest things."

Despite the long shifts and increased awareness, MacDill's security forces are dealing well with the pressure. Morale is high due to some recent visits by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and wrestler Randy "Macho Man" Savage, who came out to show their support for the troops.

However, the nature of homeland defense helps bring it all into perspective for many military members.

"Before, we always went to another country to protect people in that country," Tisdale said. "Now, we're protecting our own country and that makes it easier for us. This is my home now, and the extra hours and the duties don't affect us as much as it would going to another country."

He said that in addition to being proud of protecting American soil, simply being able to go home at night to be with his family helps him and others deal with the stress of the daily grind.

(FROM AIR MOBILITY COMMAND PUBLIC AFFAIRS)