Physical Security

At a glance..

This field manual (FM) sets forth guidance for all personnel responsible for physical security. It is the basic reference for training security personnel. It is intended to be a “one-stop” physical security source for the Department of Defense (DOD), the Department of the Army (DA), and other proponents and agencies of physical security.

The details..

FM 3-19.30 is an essential reference manual for anyone with responsibility over physical security in military or civilian settings. The book covers a wide range of topics from protective systems development to access control methods and electronic security systems design considerations.

The Systems Approach chapter provides guidance on how to develop integrated protective systems that can address various types of threats such as vehicle bombs, exterior attacks, ballistic weapons, forced entry attempts by insiders or outsiders among others.

Other chapters cover lighting requirements; electronic security system (ESS) design considerations including interior ESS sensors and exterior intrusion-detection sensors; lock-and-key systems installation and maintenance procedures; selection criteria for different types of security forces along with their organization structure & training requirements.

In addition to these core topics related directly to physical-security measures within installations/organizations/facilities etc., FM 3-19.30 also includes sections on crisis management plans, executive protection goals & residential transportation/security measures among other things.