LIRP conference keeps law enforcement on the same page

  • Published
  • By Airman Daniel Brosam
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  A worst-case scenario for the 341st Missile Wing is an adversary attempting to capture a nuclear weapon. If this situation were to ever occur, civilian law enforcement agencies all around Montana would be called to work hand in hand with base personnel to help close roads, observe traffic and assist in recovery operations.

It was for this reason Malmstrom Air Force Base hosted the 2nd annual Local Incident Response Plan Conference Sept. 23.

Approximately 60 people attended the LIRP including representatives from the FBI, Department of Homeland Security Customs and Border Protection, Montana Highway Patrol, Great Falls Police Department, Air Force Office of Special Investigations, Montana National Guard, and security and emergency response personnel from the 341st MW.

LIRP is a generalized plan that coordinates the response capabilities of the Air Force, FBI and civilian law enforcement departments within the state if a nuclear asset were ever threatened or compromised. It also provides for a system of immediate notification between these agencies if a hostile incident occurs.

The conference was an opportunity for military and civilian partners to meet and establish connections, as well as to reinforce their common understanding of LIRP responsibilities and jurisdictions.

The day began with a welcome from Col. Jay Folds, 341st MW vice commander. Folds encouraged the conference participants to interact with each other and to build connections between agencies.

Stanley Moody, 341st Security Forces Group plans and programs manager, led discussions throughout the morning.

"When you walk out of here, I want you to know what the LIRP is," said Moody. "When you hear LIRP I want you to say 'let's go.'"

After the LIRP conference at the base theater, a field training exercise was conducted to show the participants a realistic response to an attack on a launch facility.

Security forces members from the base stayed in tight communication with one another as helicopters, Humvees and ground units deployed to the area simultaneously.

Col. Chris Frederiksen, 341st Security Forces Group commander, complimented the Airmen on how well they executed the exercise. Frederiksen said he has no doubt the 341st SFG Airmen are capable of handling an emergency situation such as an attack on a launch facility.

The day concluded with Moody thanking everyone for participating in the conference and exercise and said he looks forward to doing it again next year.

"We are all good at what we do," said Moody.  "We just need to do it together."