Who serves as the installation anti-terrorism officer (ATO)?

• A. Base Security Officer
• B. Anti-Terrorism Officer
• C. DFC
• D. Security Forces Commander

Answer: (C)

The installation anti-terrorism officer is the person who leads the AT program at the installation, coordinating policy, risk assessments, training, and protective measures. This role typically comes from the Directorate of Force Protection, because that office is responsible for developing and overseeing the installation’s force protection and anti-terrorism program. Having the ATO come from the Directorate of Force Protection ensures the right authority, knowledge, and access to necessary resources to implement AT measures across the base.

Base Security Officer focuses on overall base security policy and procedures, and the Security Forces Commander leads security operations and response activities. While these roles are essential, they do not specifically provide the centralized AT program leadership that the Directorate of Force Protection supplies, which is why the ATO is filled from that office.