Faith-Based Daily Awareness Post 8 August 2025

These updates are shared to help raise the situational awareness of Faith-Based organizations to best defend against and mitigate the impacts from all-hazards threats including physical security, cybersecurity, and natural disasters. 

Church After Action Review (AAR): Document, Improve, and Protect Your Ministry

In the August 7^th article it is emphasized that church security teams and ministry groups often face situations ranging from potential threats to training exercises that test their readiness and highlight areas for improvement. To turn such experiences into valuable learning opportunities, author Keith Graves recommends conducting a structured After-Action Review (AAR) once the situation has passed. Using a freely provided AAR template, teams are encouraged to document what was supposed to happen, what occurred, and what lessons can be carried into future planning. By doing so, ministries can ensure every event, no matter how challenging, becomes a catalyst for improvement rather than just a traumatic memory.

Analyst Comments: The article promotes After Action Reviews (AARs) as a vital tool for improving church security. By encouraging structured reflection after incidents or drills, ministries can identify gaps, reinforce strengths, and build a culture of accountability. Adapting this proven method from military and emergency contexts helping churches to better prepare for future threats with minimal cost and greater professionalism.

Resources:

• How to Write an After-Action Report
• After-Action Report/Improvement Plan (AAR/IP) Writing Tips

Mysterious Crime Spree Targeted National Guard Equipment Stashes

Between fall 2024 and early 2025, Tennessee National Guard armories experienced a series of covert break-ins, four in total over about seven weeks that went undisclosed for months. According to a confidential memo established via FOIA, thieves stole sensitive gear such as night vision googles, thermal sights, and laser target locations, gaining access through unlocked rooms, tripped alarms, and possibly insider assistance.

Law enforcement and national security experts are alarmed, warning that domestic violent extremists have shown interest in raiding armories to obtain military gear. Although no weapons were confirmed stolen, the targeted items remain sensitive. The FBI is leading the investigation, while the Pentagon’s law enforcement authority is also involved.

Analyst Comments: The pattern of break-ins in Tennessee and similar incidents nationwide raises concerns about operational security, insider threats, and the vulnerability of domestic military facilities. Locking up sensitive military equipment such is critical for several reasons like national security, preventing extremist use, insider threat risk, trust and accountability, and legal requirements. The delayed public disclosure of the events may reflect a desire to avoid panic or preserve the integrity of the investigation.