In late June 2024, American military bases located throughout Europe shifted to threat level “Charlie.†This elevated security protocol — the second highest only behind “Delta†— resulted from intelligence that pointed to potential terrorist activity and safety issues. This occurred on the heels of several attacks on United States military bases. In one instance that occurred in October 2023, drone attacks injured dozens of American military personnel on several U.S. bases in Syria and Iraq. In another security incident, an uncrewed aerial system strike killed three soldiers on a base in Jordan.Â
These headlines underscore the myriad of threats that American military bases at home and abroad could face. They equally make the case for a robust, layered approach to military base security, starting with the first line of defense: high-security, crash-rated perimeter fences. Â
Introduction to Crash-Rated FencesÂ
Fences serve several functions, from providing a visual deterrent to helping control access to sensitive properties. Crash-rated fences do double-duty by also protecting the area from vehicle incursions, both intentional and accidental. Although areas like military bases have the advantage of a security detail, these properties are often vast, with multiple potential entry points that must be safeguarded. Â
Definition and Purpose of Crash-Rated FencesÂ
Crash-rated fences, also often referred to as “anti-ram fences†and “impact-resistant fences,†provide high-security protection for vulnerable properties. These Hostile Vehicle Mitigation solutions prevent vehicles from being able to break through barriers, providing optimized protection that is customized to each property. Â
Importance of Perimeter Security in Military ContextsÂ
Military bases range in size but tend to cover large sections of land. The largest military base, Fort Bragg in North Carolina, spans more than 160,000 acres and nearly 500 square miles. Even for bases that are just a fraction of Fort Bragg’s size, there is a lot of land to protect. Maintaining a safe, secure perimeter is mission-critical to protect personnel and other assets. It all begins with military perimeter defense, which would be challenging if left to military security details alone. That’s why crash-rated perimeter fences are essential for high-security use cases like military bases.Â
Design and Construction of Crash-Rated FencesÂ
Crash-rated fences come in several standard options, including post-and-rail and post-and-cable designs. Reputable perimeter security solutions providers like TYMETAL Corp. can also offer custom options to ensure that every property’s unique requirements are met. Â
Materials and Engineering Behind Impact ResistanceÂ
Impact resistance refers to a material’s ability to withstand the energy released during an incident. Impact creates a ripple effect that sends stress traveling throughout the item absorbing it, which can cause breakable and material failure. Materials like hot-dipped galvanized steel and powder-coated aluminum, combined with a design created to provide maximum impact resistance, offer significant protection. However, it’s essential that both the materials and the design undergo rigorous testing to ensure it will perform as promised. Â
Standards and Certifications for Crash-Rated FencesÂ
High-security and impact-resistant fences are put through testing to certify their performance in accordance with the standards established by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). Â
The ASTM crash rating system measures the ability of a barrier to stop a 15,000-pound vehicle traveling at a maximum speed and expresses it as an M rating:Â
- M30 will stop a vehicle traveling up to 30 miles per hour (mph).Â
- M40 will stop a vehicle traveling up to 40 mph.Â
- M50 will stop a vehicle traveling up to 50 mph.Â
ASTM ratings also assess the penetration at that speed and expresses it as P ratings as follows:Â Â
- P1 penetrates less than 3.3 feet.Â
- P2 penetrates from 3.31 to 23 feet.Â
- P3 penetrates from 23.1 to 98.4 feet.Â
- P4 penetrates beyond 98.4 feet. Â
Integration with Other Security MeasuresÂ
A M50 (heavy goods vehicle traveling 50 mph that penetrates less than 3.3 feet) offer excellent protection. However, the best crash-rated fences integrate seamlessly with other security solutions for robust surveillance, access control, and layered security strategies. Â Â
Combining Fences with Surveillance SystemsÂ
Comprehensive military base security requires the ability to implement surveillance systems in tandem with anti-ram fences, gates, and other measures. These systems empower those in charge to detect intrusions and possible security breaches at the outer layer, which is the first line of defense. The earlier the warning, the better the chances that those in charge can mitigate the risk of loss of life and operational disruption. Â
Interfacing with Access Control TechnologiesÂ
Manned and automatic gates improve each base’s ability to control the flow of traffic and ensure everyone entering the premises is authorized to do so. Using crash-rated fences combined with crash-rated gates achieves this goal. Â
Coordination with Physical and Electronic Security LayersÂ
Layered security is the name of the game. Anti-ram fences and gates, surveillance and sensors to detect intrusions early on, strategic lighting, and video monitoring should all work together. When done right, they work like a symphony that deters, detects, and defends. Â
Benefits of Crash-Rated Fences in Military SecurityÂ
Military bases at home and abroad face various threats, including intruders, civilian protests, drone swarms, and attacks. Crash-rated fences help prevent unauthorized vehicles from ramming through and causing damage. They safeguard the critical assets housed on military bases, including sensitive information, weaponry, and military personnel and their families.Â
Preventing Unauthorized Vehicle AccessÂ
Access control is critical. Preventing vehicle incursions — vehicles making impact with buildings and assets — is equally essential. Impact-resistant fences offer the increased security necessary to safeguard these sprawling, high-security properties. Â
Enhancing Response Capabilities to Security ThreatsÂ
The sooner you are alerted to a threat, the faster you can respond and the faster you can eliminate the risk. High-security fencing, combined with other security solutions, makes it possible to accelerate response times to ensure minimal disruptions. Â
Protecting Sensitive and High-Risk AreasÂ
Military bases are protected for good reason. They may house advanced weaponry, sensitive data and information, and military members who perform critical functions. Keeping sensitive and high-risk areas contained with secure access control helps safeguard infrastructure, information, and people. Â
Selecting the Right Partner for Crash-Rated Fences for Military BasesÂ
No two military bases are the same, and no two partners offer the same level of quality and service. TYMETAL has been an industry leader in providing exceptional perimeter security solutions, including vehicle barrier fences, crash-rated gates, matched operators, and more since 1985. Â
When searching for the right partner, it’s essential to consider factors such as the following:Â
Product Quality and AestheticsÂ
Have the products undergone testing and certification? Where are they manufactured? TYMETAL uses stringent third-party testing and manufactures all security solutions right here in the U.S. In addition to standard options, the exceptional team can also help with custom design options to meet strict security requirements and aesthetics. Â
ServiceÂ
Crash-rated perimeter fences and other security solutions require planning, installation, repairs, and maintenance. Look for a provider that offers support at every phase of the project, including ongoing technical assistance and maintenance support. Â
ReputationÂ
What do other clients say about the company you are considering? TYMETAL has enjoyed decades as industry leaders because of the high-quality, reliable, high-security solutions and the team’s commitment to providing excellent service and support. Â
Reach Out for More DetailsÂ
TYMETAL provides high-security fencing solutions for commercial properties, governmental facilities, prisons, airports, critical infrastructure, and military bases. Our team offers expert planning and can aid in custom design services for crash-rated perimeter fences that meet the most stringent security needs. Contact TYMETAL today to learn more or to begin working with experts on your next project. Â
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