Camp Lemonnier personnel prepare for real-world crisis scenarios through training

Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class David Wyscaver | 180117-N-WF604-992 CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti – Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Michael Thomas assigned to the Camp Lemonnier Security department engages an active shooter during an active shooter training exercise at the E-6 barracks on base, Jan. 17. The simulated training evolution helps service members practice essential techniques to ensure mission readiness. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class David Wyscaver/Released)  

DJIBOUTI

01.17.2018

Story by Petty Officer 1st Class David Wyscaver 

Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti

CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti -- Camp Lemonnier security, medical, and emergency services personnel participated in an active shooter training exercise at the E-6 barracks on base, Jan. 17 to help service members practice essential techniques to ensure mission readiness for real-world scenarios.

“In an active shooter scenario, our goal in the most efficient and effective way possible is to locate and neutralize the shooter(s) and save as many lives as possible,” said Lt. Cmdr. Rodney Loughridge, Camp Lemonnier security officer.

The training evolution simulated two active-shooters entering the first floor of the E-6 barracks armed with both a mock M-4 rifle and 9MM pistol. Five service members were simulated fatally wounded while five others were simulated injured. Responding forces were notified to use their training to defuse the situation accordingly.

“We conducted an active shooter drill to test our anti-terrorism force protection response across the entire base, throughout different departments,” said Lt. Cmdr. Peter Rancourt, Camp Lemonnier training officer. “The drill included our Combat Medic Team, Expeditionary Medical Facility, security personnel, Quick Reaction Force, Mortuary Affairs Team and NCIS. We conduct these exercises 4 times a year where we integrate the entire base in a simulated training environment.”

In order to ensure service members and base personnel are prepared for real-world crisis scenarios, constant training is critical, especially when forward deployed.

“I think it’s extremely important that based on our location in the world that we continually train our capabilities to respond to the ongoing threat whether it be internal or external,” said Rancourt.

“We train to maintain and improve our skills and tactics,” said Loughridge. “Shooting, moving, knowledge of equipment, weapons manipulation, use-of-force techniques, communication on the radio are all perishable skills. We continue to train to be more confident in our roles as law enforcement and the use of our tools.”

Continuing to grow professionally and honing skillsets may be the underlined difference in overall mission accomplishment.

“I feel these type of exercises have a significant impact on mission readiness,” said Rancourt. “We have numerous missions going on all of the time and if we can’t effectively respond to an emergency crisis in an effective manner, it can significantly impact our mission capabilities. If we don’t continuously train and evaluate our responses to get better, it could really impact our ability to conduct our day-to-day mission.”

Working together and ensuring all personnel from different departments know their individual roles and how it adds to the overall scope of the mission is an essential part of training.

“Continued training benefits law enforcement officers to also train alongside other first responders such as the fire department and paramedics,” said Loughridge. “Training together improves the understanding of each respective department's role, the overall response and working together as one team.”

Planning and carrying out these types of exercises can be extensive and time consuming but the overall benefits are visible and recognized.

“To successfully accomplish one of these exercises takes about three months worth of planning,” said Rancourt. “In those 3 months…I have 30-70 people who spend a lot of time volunteering and helping to ensure the exercises are completed successfully. We all work together to accomplish our mission and ensure we are ready in case something does happen.”

Camp Lemonnier is one of Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia, installations that conducts eight lines of operation to support air operations, port operations, safety, security, housing, MWR, Fleet and Family Support and what is called the core: the fuels, water and power that keep the bases operating.

Camp Lemonnier’s mission includes enabling joint warfighters operating forward and to reinforce the U.S. – Djibouti relationship by providing exceptional services and facilities for the tenant commands, transient U.S. assets and service members.

• Date Taken: 01.17.2018
• Date Posted: 01.19.2018 05:35
• Story ID: 262527
• Location: DJ