Active Shooter Exercise tests Team Dover's readiness

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Matt Davis
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Dover Air Force Base conducted an active shooter exercise that provided essential training for base and local first responders Sept. 12, 2017. The exercise tested Team Dover’s readiness to support and mitigate a real-world active shooter event.

Base agencies worked with Delaware State Police to plan and conduct the exercise to create a realistic environment for first responders. The base is required by U.S Air Force and U.S. Secretary of Defense directives to hold two active shooter exercises each year.

"It is particularly important for the Delaware State Police to continually train with our local and allied partners for critical incidents within our state,” said Sgt. Richard Bratz, Delaware State Police Director of the Public Information Office. “The Active Shooter Exercise at the Dover Air Force Base was a valuable opportunity for law enforcement and the military to train together so we can effectively integrate in a real world setting.”

The DSP provided members from the Patrol Division and from multiple specialized units that participated, including the Special Operations Response Team, Conflict Management Team, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team, Command Post, Communications, Tactical Operations Center and the Public Information Office.

Bratz and the DSP team appreciated working with the base command staff, first responders and teams from the 436th Medical Group, Security Forces Squadron, Civil Engineer Squadron, Fire Department, Public Affairs and the Inspector General's Office.

“Planning and preparation proves to be vital key roles in the outcome of critical incidents,” said Bratz. “The Active Shooter Scenario and training with our military partners was extremely valuable as we worked together to determine best practices and maintain situational awareness for our state."

The scenario involved two active shooters who entered the 436th Medical Clinic taking hostages and creating? casualties. Joint emergency services worked together to engage the threat and resolve the incident in a timely manner. The exercise helped build relationships between the base and outside agencies to protect personnel in the event of an active shooter response.

"Our Active Shooter Exercise was a success, and allowed us to test our capabilities and procedures with the Delaware State Police,” said Maj. Christopher Smith, 436th AW Inspector General’s Office chief of exercises. “Our mission partners are vital to ensure we remain ready to counter any emerging threats, and this joint exercise provided an opportunity to train our base personnel in conjunction with our off-base partners."

First responders aren’t the only ones who participate during this type of exercise. All personnel have to practice lockdown procedures and test communication notifications to stay informed during the event. In a real-world situation, if performed properly, these actions could save lives.

"Overall, we must remain vigilant as a base and community to these types of threats,” said Smith. “This exercise is one of the many ways we ensure the safety and readiness of our installation and local area."

In a real-world emergency, call 911 or alert base law enforcement personnel immediately. For additional information on active shooter procedures, contact your unit anti-terrorism representative or base emergency management team.