Spartans seize simulated shooter

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Malcolm Mayfield
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  Defenders from the 48th Security Forces Squadron responded to the logistic readiness supply building after receiving a 911 call from simulated victims of an active shooter exercise Sept. 22.

The scenario involved a disgruntled Airman pointing out victims with a dummy weapon, simulating wounded or deceased casualties inside the facility.

“We wanted to test the wing’s ability to respond to an active shooter,” said Master Sgt. Angelique Jost, 48th Fighter Wing Inspector General evaluation and simulation noncommissioned officer in-charge. “This was completely no-notice, we just walked into the building and caught everyone off guard.”

Active shooter exercises give defenders a chance to test their capabilities in a realistic situation, challenging them to adapt to new environments and work with real people in the heat of the moment.

“We walk through it and talk through it a lot,” said Master Sgt. Jason Hallmon, 48th SFS plans and programs superintendent. “As a unit, we do it a lot more than probably is required, but we take these types of scenarios very [seriously], and we want to practice them as much as possible, so that if we do need to do this, it’s fluid and second nature.”

The IG office intends to hold more exercises before the end of the year to ensure the Liberty Wing remains consistently ready for any situation.