KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- Members of the 18th Security Forces Squadron conducted an active shooter exercise here June 25th.
The 18th SFS patrolmen constantly refine how they accomplish their mission. Part of that improvement process is their ability to work alongside a large variety of other agencies that can become involved in incidents that require a security forces response.
Airmen recently conducted training with a U.S. Marine Corps special reaction team and Kadena Fire Department on how to resolve an active-shooter event.
"Today we were practicing joint-agency and joint-service responses," said Master Sgt. Anthony Johnson, 18th SFS standardization and evaluation superintendent. "We have agreements established that we want to continue to practice and allow to evolve."
The exercise participants practice communication and coordination techniques needed if an incident occurs requiring a response by more agencies than just security forces.
"Realistically, there’s no incident where other agencies won’t be involved," said Johnson. "Especially on a base where there’s so many different assets working together."
The training allows evaluators to identify opportunities for improving their planning and preparing capabilities with other agencies when responding to a variety of incidents.
"This is a way to sharpen our skillset, and a good chance to work with the other agencies on base, and in this case, our sister service," said Master Sgt. Matthew Bridge, 18th SFS avenger flight chief. "Getting together, and understanding each person’s role, trying to figure out what we can do to improve the next time, and if this ever happens in real life."
Kadena patrolmen used the exercise to rehearse several response scenarios and validate current procedures.
"Doing these types of exercise gives our Defenders the confidence to handle any incident," said Bridge. "We don’t expect this type of incident to happen, but we’ll be ready if it ever does."