JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md.-Run if you can. Hide if you can't. Fight if you must.
Three important decisions can be weighed when confronted with an active shooter incident; knowing when and how to use these decisions may save your life. On Aug. 17, at the Jacob E. Smart Building here, the 11th Security Support Squadron training instructors provided a chance to learn which actions to take when put in such a situation while working in their office building.
"As first responders we don't get a chance to come out before an incident happens," Staff Sgt. Courtney Corral, 11th Security Support Squadron training instructor, said. "This is our way of coming out before we are needed, to prevent a death before a life's in danger."
The training intended to get people to think about their surroundings in a more strategic way.
"We look at tactical avenues of approach on a daily basis, but that's just because we are cops," Corral said. "To get people to look at their facility in a different way is what we're trying to instill."
Among the attendees was Melinda Murch, Chief Military Compensation specialist, who said the training was important because it helped her be more aware of escape options in her office building, as well as other avenues to take during an active shooter incident.
“We did not know what to do in this situation,” Murch said. “It’s good to think about what the options are beforehand. They were really good about explaining them.”
The training was coupled with an active shooter drill, where the attendees had the opportunity to implement some of the tactics they learned.
"The fact that they did the enactment was really good," said Murch. "That they brought us into it, instead of just demonstrating a scenario.”
The training also included a building vulnerability assessment.
“We check windows and doors and give them ideas for escape routes,” Corral said. “We type it up and send it to them so they can make the changes.”
The training is offered to all offices and places of business on JBA, as well as other military installations and businesses in the local area.
“We are trying to reach out to as many people as possible and give back to the base,” Corral said. “We’ve gone as far as Fort Meade, Md., and the University of Maryland. A lot of people enjoy the training and are really thankful for it.”
"It was the best training I've ever been to," Murch said. "I think more people could benefit from it, for sure.”
To schedule a training session contact the 11th SSPTS.