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| U.S. Army military police and firefighters pose for a photo after completing active shooter training at Mihail Kogălniceanu Airbase, Romania, May 16, 2024. The exercise was intended to improve interoperability between military police and fire departments and enhance their coordinated response capabilities in emergency situations. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Nolan Brewer) |
05.16.2024
Story by Spc. Nolan Brewer
22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base, Romania – U.S. Army military police officers assigned to the 216th Military Police Company and U.S. Army firefighters assigned to the 467th Engineer Detachment engaged in a rigorous active shooter training exercise here May 16, 2024.
The training was meticulously designed to simulate real-life scenarios, providing both units with invaluable experience managing high-stress, chaotic environments. This exercise is critical to ongoing efforts to prepare first responders for potential emergencies by ensuring they are well-equipped to handle incidents involving active shooters.
Maj. Majken Geiman, the commander of the 467th Engineer Detachment, emphasized the importance of these exercises, stating, "Conducting drills like these helps both our MPs and Fire Department refine our processes in a high-stress, chaotic environment." This sentiment underscores the necessity of continuous practice and collaboration to enhance response strategies and operational effectiveness.
Training like this ensures military police and firefighters can operate seamlessly together, maximizing their ability to protect and save lives during critical incidents. Active shooter training exercises are vital for developing a cohesive and efficient response framework.
Staff Sgt. Matthew Wharton, the training non-commissioned officer in charge of the 216th MP Company, highlighted the collaborative nature of the training. "The purpose of the training was to work in conjunction with the fire department to make sure we put down all threats and save as many victims or casualties as possible if a situation like this occurs."
Active shooter training exercises are vital for developing a cohesive and efficient response framework. By simulating realistic scenarios, first responders can identify potential challenges and refine their tactics, ensuring they are prepared to act swiftly and effectively in real-life emergencies. This collaboration enhances individual units' readiness and strengthens the military community's emergency response capabilities.
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| U.S. Army Spc. Ethan Reid, a military police officer, and Spc. Caleb Fairlie, a U.S. Army firefighter, pose for a picture after conducting active shooter training with military police and firefighters at Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base, Romania, May 16, 2024. Active shooter training aims to enhance readiness and cooperation between military police and firefighters as both entities are first responders when an emergency occurs. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Nolan Brewer) |
"It was a really good positive training between the military police department and the fire department here at MKAB," said Spc. Caleb Fairlie, a firefighter assigned to the 467th Engineer detachment. "It is important to learn our different roles because the MPs have different roles than us at the fire department, with our primary role being the life, safety, and medical side of it."
As first responders, the military police and fire detachment are critical in protecting lives and maintaining safety during emergencies. Regular training exercises like active shooter drills are essential for ensuring they are always ready to act swiftly and efficiently in the face of danger. This active shooter training demonstrated the commitment of the 216th MP Company and the 467th Engineer Detachment to maintain a high level of preparedness and cooperation. Through continued joint exercises, these units are building a robust foundation to handle any event that may arise.
