Who bears the responsibility for protecting personnel and assets from terrorist attacks?

The responsibility for protecting personnel and assets from terrorist attacks ultimately rests with the commanding officer. The commanding officer holds the authority and accountability for ensuring the safety and security of their personnel and the organization's resources. This includes developing and implementing security measures, coordinating with various security entities, and ensuring that all personnel are adequately trained to respond to threats.

While security personnel play a crucial role in the enforcement of security protocols and local law enforcement and federal agencies may provide support and resources, the commanding officer must integrate these efforts into a cohesive security strategy. Their position enables them to assess risks, make critical decisions about resource allocation, and establish a culture of security within the command structure. Thus, despite the contributions of other entities, it is the commanding officer who bears the overarching responsibility in this context.