Active shooter awareness vital to survival

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Brigitte N. Brantley-Sisk
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  During the mass shooting that took place in 2009 at Fort Hood, Texas, a lone gunman killed 13 people and wounded dozens of others. During a March shooting in Germany, two Airmen were shot while leaving for a deployment.

These kinds of incidents show that threats can come from on- and off-base. Military leadership hopes to prevent them from happening through active shooter awareness training which emphasizes behavioral indicators.

"It is incredibly important for us to train our wing on insider threat (active shooter) associated issues because of the potential life and limb implications it has," said Capt. Justin Secrest, 23rd Security Forces Squadron commander. "There are four areas of preparedness when it comes to these situations. In prevention, we must be able to identify threats before harm may be done.

"In order to respond to the situation, individuals and first responders must know what to do," he added. "After the situation, we must be able to get the mission back on track. Finally, we must continue to develop resilient Airmen so we can prevent these incidents and enable our responders to handle the stress of these events."

The captain added that huge strides have been made at Moody in the last six months in terms of getting personnel trained.

The training is required for all active-duty military and for full-time civilians and contractors. The deadline is as soon as possible. Unit training managers and anti-terrorism officers have or will soon push this training presentation out to their units.

"One of the most vital parts of the training is the list of behavioral indicators," said Mr. DiMarco, 23rd SFS Training Manager. "They explain what to look for in terms behaviors personnel are exhibiting."

Although there are 39 indicators, some of them are more military-specific. Although a single one of these might not raise suspicion, they could when pieced together with other actions.

These include expressing outrage against U.S. military operations, deliberate probing of security responses, advocating violence, expressing sympathy for violence-promoting organizations and statement of intent to commit a terrorist act. A full list of indicators can be found at http://www.moody.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123252194.

If any suspicious behavior is observed, the 23rd SFS law enforcement desk can be reached anytime at 229-257-3108 or the Office of Special Investigations Eagle Eyes Reporting line can be reached at 229-257-3564. For an actual insider threat or active shooter incident, call 911.

"Calling 911 is the best way to go. Our defenders will most likely be the first responders to the threat," said Captain Secrest. "Because of that, our Airmen have already been tactically trained on how to deal with active shooters. Our downtown partners would then be the next step if it's a harder situation to resolve."

For those who are nearby when active shooting is taking place, the 23rd SFS has specific suggestions:

- If possible, notify all occupants by public announcement or a mass notification system there is an active shooter within the facility and evacuate or seek shelter in a locked office.
- Call 911 and notify the dispatcher of the building number as well as the number, locations, physical description, types of weapons used by the shooter and the number of victims if known. If you cannot speak, leave the line off the hook and allow the dispatcher to listen.
- Evacuate to safety. If there is an accessible escape path, attempt to evacuate the facility. Leave belongings behind and attempt to help others escape, if possible. Prevent other individuals from entering an area where the shooter may be. Once law enforcement arrives, keep your hands visible at all times and follow instructions.
- If evacuation is not possible, hide in an area out of the shooter's view and that provides protection if shots are fired in your direction. If the door does not lock, blockade it. Silence cell phones, hide behind large furniture or equipment, and remain quiet.
- Attempt to disrupt and incapacitate the shooter only as a last resort. If necessary, act aggressively by yelling and using whatever weapons can be fashioned from immediate surroundings.
- Law enforcement will proceed directly to the area in which the last shots were heard and may shout commands, push individuals to the ground and use flash-bangs or pepper spray to control the situation. Remain calm, immediately raise hands and spread fingers, and avoid pointing, screaming or yelling. Avoid quick movements and follow instructions provided by law enforcement.