TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --
Members of the 72nd Security Forces Squadron teamed up
with the Midwest City SWAT and Tinker Fire and Emergency Services to hone in on
active shooter training scenarios on Sept. 15.
SFS training of active shooter exercises ensures first
responders, medics and essential personnel know the proper protocol and
procedures should a real-world episode ever occur. This particular exercise
sought emphasis on innovation through joint operation tactics. By sharing
training and strategies among Midwest City SWAT officers, security forces are
able to increase on and off base response, as well as strengthen relations with
community partners.
Active shooter situations are vigorous, and can evolve
rapidly, so the immediate demand of relief is essential.
Tech. Sgt. Joseph Osborne, of the 72nd SFS, explained that
rescue efforts are delayed until the shooter has been eliminated.
“We have to eliminate the threat of danger,” he said.
“That is our first priority.”
Identifying the threat, the sergeant expressed, is the
key.
“Our guys need to be able to assess the situation
immediately,” Sergeant Osborne said. “They have to know what they’re dealing
with and which tactical strategies need to go into play.”
To ensure positive and successful training, security
forces Superintendent Master Sgt. Ryan Rhodes emphasized repetitions with teams
in a round robin-styled method. Different scenarios were executed continuously
throughout the day, strengthening active shooter response tactics, department
tactics and joint operations tactics.
Testing the base’s readiness is consistently challenged,
as there are multiple training exercises conducted throughout the year.
Man-made mayhem has overwhelmed first responders, causing a multitude of
life-threatening situations, and taking the right precautions could be the
difference between life and death.