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Prompted by threats from the jihadist terrorist group known as the Islamic State, the U.S. Department of Defense has issued an increased security warning for servicemembers and their families. 

According to USA Today, the most official warning issued to date came from the Pentagon, where leaders released an internal memo urging workers to remain vigilant. The memo declared that the government institution could be a potential target for attacks involving guns, bombs or knives, though no specific threat has been made targeting the building. 

Because of the militant terrorist group's use of social media, the Marine Corps warned its members to be careful about what images and information they post online. Officials at MacDill Airforce Base in Tampa, Florida, recommended servicemembers not display their military affiliations in public, as this could make them a target for "lone wolf" attacks. Similar warnings were issued by leaders at U.S. armed service bases in Europe, reported Military Times. 

This increase in caution comes after the murder of two Canadian soldiers by speculated terrorist sympathizers. Government officials believe these small-scale, military personnel-targeted attacks will be one of the main tactics used by the terrorist organization in an attempt to scare and harm Western nations, noted Military Times.