Exercise sharpens skills Published March 3, 2008 By Airman 1st Class Daryl Knee 90th Space Wing Public Affairs F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. -- The base experienced a simulated terrorist attack Feb. 14 that tested communication skills, reaction ability and tactics of Warren members. The exercise began with a series of scenarios that involved aggressors infiltrating the base using a variety of diversion methods to attain a cache of munitions. "No one is exempt from a terrorist attack," said Bob Kodis, 90th Space Wing Plans and Programs office. "We have to practice these things, because in all reality, it just might happen." The situation started Feb. 13 when a simulated Army National Guard vehicle carrying large amounts of explosives experienced mechanical problems. The drivers requested vehicle storage at Warren for about 36 to 48 hours. Warren's Office of Special Investigation "received word" Feb. 14 that a possible aggressor attack may happen. The base force protection condition rose to Charlie, a heightened security posture with increased safety procedures. Without warning, an assailant drove on base without stopping. "A gate runner," explained Airman 1st Class Darryl King, 90th Security Forces Squadron. "Gate runners rush past the gate without showing any form of identification. We have a foolproof plan to stop this from happening: We call the law enforcement desk and they send a squad car after them." At about the same time security forces captured the gate runner, similar disturbances occurred across Warren: Two people were seen near the perimeter of the weapons storage area, several calls came in about a suspicious van seen around the base, and a train stalled to block traffic on Old Glory Road. The FPCON rose to Delta. "Our enemies go into intricate detail to pull off sophisticated maneuvers such as these," said Barry Kistler, 90th SW director of staff. "In this exercise, the exercise evaluation team set up several diversions to draw base notice away from their intended goal." While the different response agencies communicated and discussed what to do next, the aggressors snuck into position around the parked Army vehicle full of explosives. At about this time, multiple mock explosions destroyed the railroad overpasses, effectively splitting traffic between the north and south side of the base. There were only two ways for emergency and security vehicles to get to the area -- one undamaged overpass near Central Avenue and Missile Drive and using Interstate 25 between gates one and two. When using the on-base road, security forces experienced something unexpected. "The fake terrorists had stationed snipers protecting that one road," Mr. Kistler said. "Our security forces capabilities came under test, and we proved to be the better power." After the aggressors were dealt with, the exercise was called off. Warren's emergency response forces had effectively handled the situation. "This is one of the most challenging and complex exercises I've seen to date," said Col. Mike Morgan, 90th SW commander. "Everyone performed extremely well, as we always do; however, there is always room for improvement. We will work to strengthen our response efforts across the board." Some of Warren's members may have been inconvenienced by the sudden FPCON changes, but "we have to practice these kinds of things because there's always the potential for a terrorist attack," Colonel Morgan said.