Exercise builds teamwork between Air Guard, local police

by Tech. Sgt. Matt Hecht
177th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

11/7/2014 - ATLANTIC CITY AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, N.J. -- The sounds of gunshots, sirens, and explosions rang out here, as the 177th Fighter Wing and police officers from Egg Harbor and Hamilton Townships responded to an active shooter exercise Oct. 24.

The exercise was the culmination of active shooter and tactical combat casualty care training that the Wing hosted for both Security Forces Airmen and local police.

"This exercise is not just about our Security Forces," said Chief Master Sgt. Michael Allen, chief of the 177th Security Forces Squadron who helped to coordinate the event. "Since active shooter situations are dynamic and evolve rapidly, it is imperative that the affected community responds just as rapidly as law enforcement. Base personnel must know how to take immediate protective measures and follow orders issued by the command post."

Senior Master Sgt. John Sacchetti, 177th SFS operations superintendent, said that the training was an excellent opportunity to interface with local law enforcement.

"It's great for us to be able to work on tactics and communications with local police," said Sacchetti. "It winds up being a learning experience for everyone involved, and helps us to strengthen our ties with the community."

The responding police officers were confronted with a situation they normally wouldn't encounter--automatic weapons fire and a shooter wearing an explosive vest.

"The responding officers from the community and our SFS Airmen teamed up and developed a joint combat action plan," said Allen.

The 177th SFS Airmen and their civilian counterparts formed into several squads that engaged opposing forces with Simunition rounds and smoke grenades.

"Using [Simunition] rounds has been a great training tool for us," said Sacchetti. "The gear can be a little bulky, but we get to use the weapons we would use in an actual response, and even though the [Simunition] rounds are made of wax, you don't want to get hit, so it encourages our guys to find good cover."

The joint team advanced on the enemy position, throwing the green smoke grenades to provide concealment.

Senior Airman Carl Walls, a defender with the 177th SFS, was one of the Airmen who responded to the active shooter exercise.

"I thought this training was fantastic," said Walls. "It was amazing to see all of the pieces come together, knowing how we'll mesh with local first responders."

With speed and precision, the team not only rescued simulated casualties from the hot zone, they also performed tactical combat casualty care and demonstrated different techniques for treating battlefield wounds.

"During the exercise, the teamwork was apparent," said Allen. "The police and Guardsmen seamlessly integrated to stop active shooters and worked together to practice lifesaving skills. It's clear that joint training and exercise events between the 177th Fighter Wing and civilian agencies is an important part of our mission which builds lasting partnerships - partnerships that help us better serve our community and nation."