F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. --
Always looking to improve readiness and help keep people safe, the 90th Security Forces Group conducted active shooter training at the base theater, Feb. 29, 2016.
Security forces “defenders” train on various scenarios year-round and this training, like many others, requires collaboration with a multitude of organizations on base. This is especially important in an active shooter situation as it is imperative that assisting agencies understand the best way to assist first responders and that potential victims also know the best course of action.
“As first responders, we know what we have to do,” said Lt. Col. Amy Rivera, 90th Security Forces Squadron commander. “[We also need to teach others] what to do and not to do to help, and not hinder, law enforcement.”
While preparing for emergencies is not something new, military installations overall have taken more interest in active shooter training because of incidents throughout the nation, said Tech. Sgt. James Stone, 90th Security Forces Squadron Training and Validations NCOIC.
This sentiment is not only shared by the 90th Missile Wing, but it’s proactively practiced.
“This is the top threat across our nation and we have to be prepared,” said Senior Master Sgt. Rebecca McNelley, 90th Security Force Squadron Operations superintendent. “[Our Airmen] have dramatically improved in tactics, techniques, procedures and maneuvers. We need to be battle ready in case this happens to us.”
The latest training scenario included two active shooters and a crowd of about two dozen inside the base theater. Security Forces Airmen kicked off the exercise with a call to the law enforcement desk rallying available personnel.
Defenders, armed with training weapons, set up a perimeter around the theater and secured the building.
“Whenever we do this with a unit, I sit down with their leadership and we set objectives and evaluate their personnel as well,” said Master Sgt. Ryan Miller, 90th Security Forces Group Standardization and Evaluation superintendent. “Our wing has received training on what to do in an active shooter situation. We want to see them put what they've learned to practice and see how they respond to the exercise.”
Prior to this latest event, the SFG conducted a joint session with the 90th Medical Group inside of the Medical Treatment Facility.
“When we trained at the medical group, we had their [wing inspection team] evaluate how they responded,” Miller said. “It kind of goes two fold. We are not just trying to focus on what we do; we are also trying to improve the reaction capabilities of the wing personnel.”
Any unit, squadron or group looking to request active shooter training can call 773-4010.
“It’s something you have to take seriously and practice,” he added. “All those threats that are out there to the public are the same threats the personnel and families on base face and it’s a concern for us as well, so we train for it.”
For more information on actions to take if found in an active shooter situation, visit the Air Force’s Be Ready website