Exercise tests base awareness; response times

PITTSBURGH IAP ARS -- A three-man 911th Security Forces entry team takes cover before entering a building, while one Airman lay wounded from a gunshot sustained during a random shooting that claimed the lives of two other Airmen, during a routine training exercise, Oct. 29, 2013 at the Pittsburgh International Airport Air Reserve Station. The training scenario’s premise was how Security Forces and base personnel would respond if confronted with an “active shooter.” The Department of Homeland Security defines an “Active Shooter” as: an individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and populated area; in most cases, active shooters use firearms(s) and there is no pattern or method to their selection of victims. These training exercises are used to ensure airmen remain vigilant and are aware of the proper reporting procedures necessary to assist SFS personnel in eliminating possible threats. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Mark A. Winklosky)