Fort Sill to hold exercise to test security level

<br>LAWTON, Okla. (AP) _ As part of a security exercise Friday, Fort Sill will operate under a security level that hasn't been used since the Sept. 11 terror attacks, officials said. <br><br>For four

Monday, April 8th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

LAWTON, Okla. (AP) _ As part of a security exercise Friday, Fort Sill will operate under a security level that hasn't been used since the Sept. 11 terror attacks, officials said.

For four days after the attacks, the Army base operated under Force Protection Condition Delta, among the highest of security levels. Soldiers and civilians reported delays of up to six hours while vehicles entering the post were thoroughly searched.

Friday's exercise will show base officials whether changes in security procedures will help in cutting down on waiting time while maintaining the necessary level of security.

``There are obviously going to be some bugs in moving thousands of people to their places of duty and places of work on the day that we go through this, but bear with us,'' said Col. George W. Steuber, Fort Sill's garrison commander. ``The whole intent is to make it better.

Steuber said the exercise will have two goals: decreasing the number of vehicles coming through the gates and increasing the gate's capacity for inspecting vehicles.

To increase the gate's capacity for inspecting vehicles, some gates will triple their numbers of inspection points or lanes during the exercise, Steuber said.

Post officials will try to reduce the number of vehicles requiring full inspections coming through the gates by establishing a park-and-ride system for those who working or have business on the post.

``That, by itself, will make a huge dent in the processing time we would have at the gates otherwise,'' Steuber said. ``I want it be more comfortable than sitting in a line.''

Carpooling is also encouraged.

On-post residents are to report at their regular times, or as directed by their supervisor.

Those planning to attend graduation or other ceremonies are welcome on post that day, but should allow for delays at the gates.

Steuber discouraged those without an official purpose _ such as sightseers, hunters and fishers _ from visiting the post on Friday.

The post museum will be closed, while the commissary and Post Exchange won't open until 11 a.m.