IG office tests base response with Active Shooter Exercise

Photo By Staff Sgt. Dawn Weber | U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jason Plasner, 52nd Fighter Wing executive assistant to the command chief, peers around a corner before simulating firing a dummy weapon during an active shooter exercise at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, Feb. 22, 2017. The Inspector General’s office conducts these types of exercises throughout the year in order to ensure all personnel are properly trained to respond accordingly to an active shooter situation. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Dawn M. Weber)  

SPANGDAHLEM, RP, GERMANY

02.22.2017

Story by Senior Airman Dawn Weber 

52nd Fighter Wing

Security Forces Airmen from the 52nd Security Forces Squadron responded to reports of an active shooter inside the 52nd Comptroller Squadron, Feb. 22.

The active shooter exercise involved a disgruntled Airman running through the building pointing out victims with a dummy weapon, simulating wounding or killing employees.

Tech. Sgt. Jason Plasner, 52nd Fighter Wing executive assistant to the command chief, acted as the active shooter.

“The first responders during this exericise knew exactly what had to be done as they responded and apprehended the "suspect,” said Plasner. “I think the biggest take away from this type of scenario is that you have to act on instinct if you expect to survive a real active shooter. I think an impact was made on those "causalities" that you don’t have time to think, you have to react.”

This scenario gave Security Forces Airmen the opportunity to test their capabilities in a realistic situation as well as testing 52nd CPTS and 52nd Fighter Wing Airmen’s responses. The exercise challenged all parties to adapt to hostile work environments and their capabilities to work with people in the heat of the moment.

“As Security Forces members our main objective is to command and control, build cordons and things like that,” said Master Sgt. Chad Reemtsma, 52nd SFS superintendent. “This exercise was very effective in training our Airmen and keeping them prepared in the unfortunate event this becomes a real scenario.”

The base wide exercise, created by the 52nd FW Inspector General’s office, intends to develop various exercise scenarios throughout the year to ensure the men and women of Saber Nation are ready for anything.

• Date Taken: 02.22.2017
• Date Posted: 03.01.2017 02:54
• Story ID: 225289
• Location: SPANGDAHLEM, RP, DE