Would you know what to do if an active-shooter incident happened at Malmstrom?

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt Jennifer Gunter
  • Wing Antiterrorism Office
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  The tragic events of Columbine High, Virginia Tech and Fort Hood have called our attention to the need to be prepared for an active-shooter scenario.

Unfortunately for the United States, active-shooter incidents are not foreign to us with documented incidents going back as far back as 1920.

The Fort Hood shootings made it clear that military bases are not immune. We have protective measures for our facilities and mission areas. However, do you know what to do if you find yourself locked outside during an active shooter event?

An active shooter is commonly defined as an incident when one or more subjects participate in a shooting spree, random or systematic, with the intent and means to continuously harm others. Sadly, several of these incidents happen throughout the country almost every year, injuring and killing innocent people.

Malmstrom AFB has attempted to prepare the base populace for such an incident through procedures and base exercises. However, confusion still exists as to how to react when you are on base, outside of a building and you hear gunfire or become aware of an incident elsewhere on base.

If you are already in a facility or can get inside quickly:

· Follow established wing lockdown procedures

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

If you find yourself outside during an active shooter incident (exercise or real world), do the following:

· Seek immediate cover and/or concealment

· Disperse as much as possible (e.g., do not gather in front of buildings)

· Get in your vehicle and drive away from the incident area to the nearest designated safe area

· Call the Public Affairs "Straight Talk" hotline at 731-7800 for further information

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

· Personnel residing on base, and locked out of base facilities, should return to base housing and implement lock-down and tune to the Commander's Access Channel for further information

· Proceed to a "safe haven" area manned by armed Security Forces personnel - specifics will be provided over all means available (e.g., Giant Voice, Commander's Access Channel, local media if actual event)

· 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 you can best assist them if you:

· Leave your hands in plain view, spread fingers, and act in a non-threatening manner
· Do not make any sudden movements
· Follow instructions

For additional information on how to survive an active shooter incident, please call the base Antiterrorism Officer at 731-2787 or contact your unit antiterrorism officer.