This paper presents a comprehensive integrated physical security plan for Amron International Inc., a U.S. military ammunition manufacturer located in Antigo, Wisconsin. Drawing on the Integrated Physical Security (IPS) framework outlined by Philpott and Einstein, the plan identifies key threats — including fire, intruder breaches, and information security risks — and evaluates countermeasures across physical, informational, and personnel security domains. The paper also incorporates a primary interview with the facility's Director of Security and Human Resources, providing firsthand insight into hiring procedures, training protocols, policy manuals, and emergency response drills. The analysis concludes that Amron's existing security measures adequately address the facility's unique risks as a manufacturer of explosive military ordnance.
Amron International Inc. is a division of Amtec and manufactures ammunition for the U.S. military. Amron is located in Antigo, Wisconsin. Amron also manufactures mechanical subsystems, including fuses for rockets and other military ammunition, as well as producing TNT, a highly explosive substance used in bombs.
The target environment in this security plan is the manufacturing operation located in Antigo, Wisconsin — a manufacturing plant with personnel offices adjacent to the facility. The work of Philpott and Einstein (n.d.) reports that more than 50% of U.S. businesses do not have a crisis management plan, and for those that do, the plan is generally not kept up to date. Philpott and Einstein further state that even fewer businesses and organizations have integrated physical security plans to protect the facility and the people who work in it.
The challenge is reported to be twofold: (1) the first is reaching an agreement that a security plan is needed, which involves altering mindsets, building consensus, and getting senior management to buy in; and (2) the second challenge is developing and implementing an effective, tailor-made integrated physical security (IPS) plan (Philpott and Einstein, n.d.).
This plan is comprised of three supporting elements: (1) physical security measures; (2) operational procedures; and (3) policies (Philpott and Einstein, n.d.).
Operational procedures are reported to be the lifeblood of any organization. They cover how the facility works on a day-to-day basis, including shift changes, deliveries, maintenance schedules, and so on. It is necessary to understand how the facility works and operates in order to develop an effective integrated physical security plan that allows the organization to function with the least disruption possible (Philpott and Einstein, n.d.).
There are five steps in the physical security plan involving four specific elements: (1) people; (2) operations; (3) information; and (4) interdependence (Philpott and Einstein, n.d.).
The following are stated as crucial elements of the security plan:
(1) Deterrence — provision of countermeasures including policies, procedures, and technical controls to defend protected assets against attacks; (2) Detection — monitoring for possible breakdowns in protective mechanisms that could result in a security breach; (3) Delay — necessary measures in the event of a breach to slow intruders and allow security personnel to apprehend them before they succeed; (4) Response — human involvement through procedures and actions for assessing the situation and responding to a breach; (5) Recovery — a plan for continuation of business and normal operations; and (6) Re-evaluation — constant reassessment of the security plan (Philpott and Einstein, n.d.).
Threats present at Amron International Inc. include the following: (1) fire; (2) intruder security breach; (3) employee security breach; (4) weather threats; (5) improper manufacturing methods; and (6) information security breach.
In the event that employees fail to follow procedures and policies concerning manufacturing processes — or fail to adhere to smoking policies and designated smoking area rules — fire and explosions could become a real and significant threat.
Vulnerability gaps at Amron International Inc. appear to have been closed due to the facility's tight security measures. Training and safety manuals, in addition to intensive security training, address the threats to security that are potentially present at the facility.
"Layered security controls across all domains"
"Drills, bomb threat protocol, and disaster procedures"
"Director interview findings on policies and training"
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