- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Heightened Security at Fort Bliss Likely a Precaution, Says Retired Army Colonel
Retired Colonel Cary Westin explains the military's response to heightened tensions with Iran
Published on Mar. 2, 2026
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
Long lines of vehicles were seen at the entrances to Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas on Monday morning as the U.S. military placed all bases on heightened alert in response to the latest conflict involving Iran. Retired Army Colonel Cary Westin, who spent 25 years in the military, said the increased security measures were likely a precautionary response and do not necessarily signal an imminent threat to the El Paso area.
Why it matters
The heightened security at Fort Bliss and other U.S. military installations reflects the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran, which have escalated in recent months. While the increased security measures are intended to protect personnel and assets, they can also cause disruptions for those trying to access the bases.
The details
According to a U.S. official cited by ABC News, all American military bases have been placed on heightened alert, with bases now under threat condition Bravo. This means there is an increased or more predictable threat of terrorist activity, though an attack is not considered imminent or likely. Retired Colonel Cary Westin, who spent 25 years in the Army primarily in air defense artillery, said he was not surprised by the military's response, as there has been a "buildup in that region" and the president decided to take military action.
- On Monday morning, long lines of vehicles were seen at the entrances to Fort Bliss near the Buffalo Soldier gate.
The players
Cary Westin
A retired Army Colonel who spent 25 years in the military, primarily in air defense artillery. He served extensively with the 1st Armored Division and deployed with the unit to Iraq and during the Bosnia campaign. He retired from Fort Bliss in 2009 while assigned to the Army Test and Evaluation Command.
Fort Bliss
A U.S. Army post located in El Paso, Texas.
What they’re saying
“I wasn't surprised. There's been a number of negotiations that have been going back and forth and a buildup in that region, and obviously the president decided to take military action.”
— Cary Westin, Retired Army Colonel (KVIA)
“Just because the force protection level has changed doesn't necessarily mean that there's an imminent threat in El Paso. Sometimes, in an abundance of caution in protecting the soldiers and the equipment, they will raise force protection levels.”
— Cary Westin, Retired Army Colonel (KVIA)
What’s next
The military will continue to monitor the situation and adjust security measures as needed based on threat assessments and guidance from the Department of Defense.
The takeaway
The heightened security at Fort Bliss and other U.S. military installations is a precautionary measure in response to heightened tensions with Iran, and does not necessarily indicate an imminent threat to the local El Paso area. Military commanders are closely watching the situation and making decisions to protect personnel and assets.
