SFS Airmen learn new techniques with PACAF's HRRT active shooter course

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jessica Lockoski
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MISAWA AIR FORCE BASE, Japan --  Air Force requirements for improved active-shooter training allowed 35th Security Forces Airmen and Naval Air Facility's Masters at Arms, to attend the Pacific Air Forces command's High Risk Response Training program here July 19 through 23.

The PACAF HRRT program, taught throughout the MAJCOM's nine bases, helps base security members use special tactics and training to prepare for dangerous and unpredictable situations involving a hostile shooter.

This training, open to sister services, meets a new Department of Defense requirement tasking each service to revitalize their programs by September. This decision was made in part after the 2010 Fort Hood, Texas, active-shooter tragedy.

The course gives these Airmen and Sailors interactive academics in class and hands-on, newly developed techniques grounded in contemporary Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) training, said John Knipe, course instructor with Analytical Services Inc., contracted through PACAF.

The group spent three months researching current military active shooter and HRRT techniques and traveled to major metropolitan U.S. cities gathering the best civilian law enforcement tactics for PACAF's course.

"Ultimately, if there was an armed gunman in the commissary, Base Exchange or in one of the schools on base, when they respond, they will go in there and stop that action and eliminate that active shooter," he added.

The 40-hour course introduces servicemembers to new techniques, of which Air Force security force's Airmen may have experienced during traditional methods of response training. Much of the hands-on tactical training was accomplished at the base's empty high school and included simulated casualties and hostages.

Modern tactics mirror those used in civilian law enforcement agencies, who began revamping HRRT programs after incidents such as the Columbine High School, Colo. shooting in 1999.

"If something happens ... we are not going to set up 360 degree containment and wait for back up," said Mr. Knipe.

Instead of using a basic containment method, these new approaches are more aggressive and offensive. They challenge Airmen to make conscious decisions to assess and take immediate individual action, or use a four-man team to take on the shooter.

The difference between using previously taught methods and applying the new tactics can ultimately determine the number of lives saved and lessen lives lost, Mr. Knipe said.

On average, during the two to 10 minute active shooter events typically last, valuable time can be wasted waiting for backup to arrive and is generally when the victims are killed, Mr. Knipe said. The ones that are going to be the first on the scene are the ones that have to react first and know what's going on, he added.

SF Airmen will most likely be the first to arrive; training was designed as a teaching tool to pass to entire the SF force at each base, so every individual can be empowered to quickly respond with confidence.

"The training is flexible for everybody to learn, and is a train-the-trainer course," said Tech. Sgt. Ronnie Aldana, 35th SFS security manager and trainer. "Now, we can train all our folks in the squadron, all the way down to the lowest-ranking Airman."

Sergeant Aldana, who has been taught several methods of response during his 15 year SFS career, said the new training gives him a different mindset from what he had been used to in the past. The instructor's training is more dynamic and the most intense he's received so far.

"The trainers have been interactive in answering a lot of harder questions from the junior Airmen who haven't seen both ends of the training program that question what they have been taught either in basic training or tech school," said Sergeant Aldana. "[The instructors] expand on more than just the knowledge, but the practical application of why we are doing this.

"A patrol can't be at the same location of the incident at the same time, so it might be the lowest ranking Airman who is on scene first," Sergeant Aldana added. "Instead of waiting for an NCO to direct him where to go, he could eliminate the threat and save lives."

One SF member who could be the first to an active shooter scene may be Senior Airman Rolland Gould, a 35th SFS patrolman, who participated in the course.

He said many tactics previously learned are habitual, but he is turning them into the quick responsive training.

"If a situation were to arise, we'd be prepared for it," said Airman Rolland.

With the graduation of the first class of trained students, the 35th SFS hopes to begin teaching PACAFs course to its members in August.