Vigilance, awareness can prevent active shooter incidents

  • Published
  • By John Ingle
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  When it comes to active shooter incidents, similar to the one at Fort Hood, Texas, Nov. 5, every Airman is a sensor, said Sheppard security forces and anti-terrorism officials. 

Maj. Joe Wildman, 82nd Security Forces Squadron commander, said it is the responsibility of every Airman - military and civilian - to be aware of their surroundings and watch out for threats to the base and its personnel. 

"If they see something that doesn't seem right, report it," he said. "If they witness the onset of an active shooter incident, take cover and report it. If they notice behavior of a co-worker that may be warning signs, report it." 

Sheppard has an Installation Security Plan in place that specifies what people should do if workplace violence or an active shooter situation occurs. Conrad Butzer, Sheppard's Antiterrorism officer, said it is always better to err on the side of caution to prevent the needless loss of life. 

"As the old cliché says, 'it's better to be safe than sorry,'" he said. "The sparing of lives versus the possibility of jeopardizing a friendship is well worth it." 

Army Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan, stationed at Fort Hood, is the alleged shooter in the Nov. 5 incident that claimed the lives of 13 military and civilian personnel at the Army's largest post. Reports indicate that 30 people were wounded during the shooting. 

Major Wildman and Mr. Butzer said that most situations are preventable if people are vigilant in observing their surroundings and recognize possible indicators of someone who is contemplating such an act. 

"Changes in mood, work ethic (and) irrational behavior are all potential warning signs that someone may be 'off balance' and needs help," Major Wildman said. "If detected early, before the emotional problems manifest themselves in a violent outburst, the event is preventable." 

They both agreed that sometimes warning signs go unnoticed, leading to an unpreventable incident. 

Units and individuals have responsibilities in the event an active shooter event unfolds. Once the incident begins, each unit should secure their facilities and keep personnel away from doors and windows. They should also conduct an accountability check to account for all personnel. 

All personnel are required to "shelter-in-place" if this type of incident occurs. Mr. Butzer said people should not wander around outside and become "walking targets." 

"First and foremost, take cover and shelter in place," he said. "We all know when something of this magnitude happens, it's human nature for folks to want to see what's going on, thus possibly jeopardizing themselves." 

Major Wildman said active shooter exercises are an invaluable way for Team Sheppard to learn how to respond to such an event. If an actual incident occurs, it might be too late to know what to do. 

"In the event of an incident of this magnitude happening at your building, you probably won't have time to open the Installation Security Plan and read what your actions should be," he said. "Know them beforehand and practice them. Ensure all your personnel know what your unit's response to this incident will be." 

To report suspicious activities, call the 82nd SFS desk sergeant at 676-2981 or 676-2982. This post is manned 24-hours a day, seven days a week.