Procedures for active-shooter scenarios have changed

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Jennifer Gunter
  • 341st Missile Wing Antiterrorism Office
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  The active-shooter incident response procedures for Malmstrom have been updated. Procedures and policies are constantly evaluated by analyzing exercise observations, benchmarking other installations' procedures and studying lessons learned from various reports. The goal is to provide the best guidance as possible to the Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen and their families stationed here, and to visitors.

Shooting incidents grab headlines and are widely reported across the various news media. Sadly, they appear to be a far too common event in the United States with several incidents annually. The probability of a random violent event happening at Malmstrom is unlikely, however, everyone should be prepared in the event random violence occurs.

To increase survival rate chances in an active-shooter incident, follow these tips:

· If you are already in a facility or can get inside quickly, follow established wing lock-down procedures contained in the Force Protection Condition Plan (Tab A to Appendix 1 to Annex C of the 341 MW Antiterrorism OPLAN 10-245, Change 4, dated 20 August 2010).

· Tune to the Commander's Access Channel (cable channel 7 in housing and offices) for further information.

If you find yourself outside during a shooting incident (exercise or real-world), do the following:

· There is no designated "safe area," seek immediate cover and/or concealment.

· Disperse as much as possible (e.g., do not gather in front of buildings) to increase your chances of survival unless doing so presents unnecessary danger to yourself and others.

· Get in your vehicle and drive away from the incident area.

· Hide inside your vehicle.

· Personnel residing on base and locked out of base facilities should return to base housing and lock their doors, turn off the lights and tune to the Commander's Access Channel for additional information.

· Personnel may call the public affairs "Straight Talk" hotline at 731-7800 for further information; although with current events it may take several minutes for the hotline to be updated.

· Listen for information provided over the base-wide public address system "Giant Voice."

· Wait for the "all clear" signal from a recognized authority.

During an active shooter incident, security forces or other law enforcement (e.g., Montana Highway Patrol, Great Falls Police, etc.) may enter your facility or come upon you if you are still outside. In many cases they may not have determined if you are an active participant in the shooting or an innocent bystander. Upon arrival of responding forces, the best assistance can be given if you:

· Remain calm and follow instructions.

· Put down any items in your hands (e.g., bags, jackets).

· Leave your hands in plain view, spread your fingers and act in a nonthreatening manner.

· Do not make any sudden movements towards officers and don't hold onto them for safety.

· Avoid pointing, screaming or yelling.

· Follow instructions.

For additional information on how to prepare for an active-shooter incident, call the Antiterrorism Office at 731-2787 or contact your Unit Antiterrorism Officer.