JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
The 11th Security Forces Support Squadron offers active shooter training and preparation to units and offices on base.
The program is designed to teach members of the base populace how to react when confronted with an active shooter. It also allows the 11th Security Forces Group to train their personnel to respond to emergency scenarios.
Joshua Montoya, 11 SSPTS trainer, claimed the program was created to assess the vulnerabilities of the base and high-profile buildings such as the William A. Jones III Building. It also allows security forces to inform the base populace how to react to and handle an active shooter situation.
"Especially with recent events and an increase of active shooters, the program certainly has increased awareness," Montoya said. "The smartest thing anyone can do in an active shooter scenario is follow the Run-Hide-Fight method: Run if you can, hide if you must and fight as a last resort."
Before conducting an active shooter drill, 11 SSPTS will conduct a vulnerability assessment of the unit to expose any paths a shooter may take, or locations that could be unsecure.
"We'll look for things like conference rooms not having locks on the doors," said Staff Sgt. James Fraser, 11 SSPTS trainer. "Sometimes offices don't even have doors, and we have to take a close look at their security protocols."
Fraser stressed the importance of having established security protocols put in place prior to an incident.
"For example, our office has seven desks in a room with one door, but it's close to an exit, so we have a few options," Fraser said. "It's crucial to decide what to do -- run or hide -- as a unit before the need arises, that way we're not caught off guard."
In addition to informing people on base about the Run-Hide-Fight method, the training also affords 11 SFG members the chance to test and improve themselves while responding to an incident.
"Because an actual active shooter situation doesn't last very long, we want our guys to respond, locate and terminate the shooter as quickly as possible," Fraser said. "Afterward, they need to focus getting medical attention for those who need it, back-clearing the building for additional shooters and setting up cordons."
The 11 SSPTS offers this hands-on training to emphasize the importance of preparation and readiness.
"This training is more important that some computer-based program you can just click your way through, because it's more than likely going to happen in someone's career," Fraser said. "I hope it never happens but people need to be prepared."