Desert Wind 12-2 tests active shooter response capabilities Published March 13, 2012 By Laura Mowry Staff Writer EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Team Edwards held an Operational Readiness Exercise Feb. 27 through 29 to test the base's emergency response capabilities. An Emergency Management Exercise, testing Edwards' response to an active shooter scenario was included in the ORE. Team Edwards successfully demonstrated active shooter emergency response capabilities during the three-day exercise Desert Wind 12-2. "It is extremely important to practice these scenarios, particularly with the active shooter situation," said Dave Bookrum, 95th Air Base Wing Plans and Programs Office installation exercise program manager. "Unfortunately, there is rarely a week that goes by where you don't hear about an active shooter scenario." According to Bookrum, the EME scenario was based on a Team Edwards member distraught over a court-ordered judgment where an allotment was taken out of his pay and complained to the Finance Office in Bldg. 2800. The exercise tested the local response from individuals inside the building where the incident occurred, as well as the 95th Security Forces Squadron's ability to neutralize the shooter and the overall base-wide response. Even with a successful response to the active shooter EME scenario, the Edwards community is highly encouraged to develop and become familiar with a response plan at the local level. "We really want to get a discussion going. If you have questions or you're not quite sure what to do in the event of an active shooter - do not hesitate to ask questions. The more you know, the more educated you are, the better your chances of survival are," said Frank Sporer, 95th Plans and Programs Office installation exercise planner. "Even though we were successful in the EME, we always want to get better, each and every time." According to Bookrum and Sporer, if there is an active shooter in your building, there are numerous response possibilities to consider. "If there is a quick and safe way to exit the building do so. However, do not jeopardize your safety by attempting to exit if the active shooter is immediately in your vicinity," said Bookrum. If it is not possible to quickly and safely exit the building, the next best option is to hide and take cover. Make sure the area is secured. An ideal location would be an interior office or room with locking doors. "The bottom line is that your decisions will be based on the environment," said Sporer. "Your decisions will be based on your location, ability to exit, and other critical variables. This is why it is so important to have a plan in place that prepares you for multiple scenarios. It gets you familiar with the building and your options." For more information regarding how to respond during an active shooter scenario, talk to your unit Emergency Management representative.