CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Charleston AFB held a simulated emergency base-wide exercise, which was compared to the incident that occurred at Virginia Tech earlier this year, from approximately noon to 2 p.m. Aug. 1.
The objective of a base-wide exercise is to test the initial and tactical response of the base in the event of an emergency.
"The base as a whole did very well during the exercise," said David Hunt, 437th Airlift Wing Inspector General chief of inspections and readiness. "We did a great job in laying the ground work, so now we know where to focus on making improvements."
The exercise simulated the realization of a disgruntled individual gaining access to the base and going on a shooting rampage.
"The shootings at Virginia Tech reminded us yet again that acts of domestic terrorism are not necessarily committed by traditional terrorist factions; the disgruntled employee or student can be just as dangerous," said Capt. Eli Jackson, 437th Security Forces Squadron operations officer.
Base exercise monitors said that Team Charleston did a great job with their tactical response time, containing and resolving the situation, treating all the patients as they came in and taking out the shooter with minimal injuries to the victims.
The base was also able to test the capability of getting an ambulance on base to help with the wounded after the base was locked down.
"This was not a test the base is normally able to have, but the base did very well," said Mr. Hunt.
"Security forces looks forward to these opportunities to test ourselves," said Lt. Col. Seth McKee, 437th Security Forces Squadron commander. "This exercise has reinforced our ability to organize, train and equip our security forces. In addition, it showed that our tactics, techniques and procedures are sound and that we will continue to be able to protect the families, Airmen and assets of Charleston Air Force Base."
The entire base population, either military, civilian, retiree, family members or just a visitor to the base, needs to be more educated on how to react during these scenarios and when the sirens are sounding.
"The number one priority in a scenario of this type is to get the word out to the entire base populace as soon as possible to ensure their safety," said Maj. J. Scot Heathman, 437th Airlift Wing Command Post deputy chief.
Education about the emergency warnings and how to respond to them should be readily available everywhere on e-mails, Commander's Access Channel, First Term Airmen's Center, new comer's briefing or information posted at the visitor's center.
"It needs to be the responsibility of everyone who lives or works on the base to look out for each other," said Mr. Hunt.
All base exercises should be taken seriously at all times. If you react to an exercise as if it were a real-world situation, you would have an easier time reacting to the actual emergency.
This is what to listen for:
· The peacetime emergency warning signal is a three to five minute steady tone on the base sirens. When you hear this signal, prepare to take immediate shelter and tune in to local radio, television or public address systems for further instructions.
· The attack signal is a three to five minute waivering tone. When you hear this signal, proceed immediately to a designated shelter or take other appropriate protective actions.
· Listen to what is said over the giant voice and react accordingly.
For more information, refer to Air Force Reserve Command Headquarters Operating Instruction 32-4002 Disaster Preparedness Survival Actions.