The U.S. Northern Command, created to defend the American homeland in the wake of the 9/11 attacks, is on a higher level of vigilance after the death of Osama bin Laden. On Monday the command moved up one step to the third-highest out of five military alert levels.
The change translates into more security at Colorado’s military installations. At Fort Carson Army Post outside of Colorado Springs, it’s taking visitors longer to get through check points. Spokeswoman Dee McNutt says the post is “being very vigilant at the gates.” But she says security is still not at the level it was after September 11.
“I can’t go into the specifics of what we’re doing at the gates for obvious reasons,” she says. “But I will tell you that we’re taking prudent measures to ensure the security and safety of those who work and live on Fort Carson.”
McNutt says news of bin Laden's death boosted morale on Fort Carson, which has deployed thousands of soldiers to Afghanistan and Iraq since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11.
Peterson Air Force Base and the Air Force Academy have also stepped up security efforts. Officials report that the school is on the third highest out of four alert levels.
