Delta response, awareness: What to do? Published Dec. 9, 2009 5th Bomb Wing Anti-terrorism Office MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- "[EXERCISE] A shooting spree by multiple armed assailants on Minot AFB drove the installation into Force Protection Condition (FPCON) DELTA and initiated an immediate lockdown... [EXERCISE]" Obviously, the attack didn't actually happen, but rather was part of a Minot AFB emergency response exercise to enhance the awareness, training and response capability of Minot AFB personnel and base organizations. ''It was an active shooter FPCON DELTA response exercise, where enemy personnel gained access to the base to take out targets of opportunity," said P.J. Pallotta, 5th Bomb Wing antiterrorism officer. The simulated gunfire and targeting of base personnel drove the base into the highest posture, FPCON Delta. ''The exercise will help us develop better situational awareness and response capability within areas such as emergency actions, antiterrorism, and threat mitigation," Pallotta said. "The entire base participated, but the focus was on specific units, high population areas and control centers to determine what capabilities are strong and which needed improvement. The tragic shooting that took place at Fort Hood, and the unpredictability that often surrounds these types of incidents, exemplifies why it is so important for all of us to be ready to respond and to take immediate action." The Installation Control Center (ICC) went into operation and the installation commander directed the entire base to FPCON Delta. The familiar wavering tone was sounded and the giant voice system activated ... "This is the Command Post, Exercise, Exercise, Exercise FPCON DELTA..." Personnel have been in a constant readiness mindset and it's important to remain capable and postured for any threats. The best way to accomplish this is through training and exercising. "We want our base community and forces to work in concert when responding to an emergency event," said Pallotta. "The drills by design will help educate base personnel on the actions they need to take when they hear the wavering tone and giant voice message. Sheltering in place, locking down facilities, closing the installation gates, and threat dissemination are just a few of the measures tested when the alarm sounds." So what's the difference between "FPCON DELTA" and an "ACTIVE SHOOTER" response? "There is no difference," said Tim Allen, 91st Missile Wing antiterrorism officer. "The same reaction applies; during the Ft. Hood incident many were asking if it was terrorism or a random act of violence as if the determination would change the response. The who, what and why are post investigation activities and determined after the threat is eliminated." Terrorist act or a lone wolf scenario, FPCON DELTA procedures are implemented as a consequence management tool. FPCON DELTA applies in the immediate area where a terrorist attack has occurred or when intelligence has been received that terrorist action against a specific location or person is imminent. Normally, this FPCON is declared as a localized condition. The wavering tone/alarm and Giant Voice will likely be the base populace's initial notification about an FPCON Delta event. What does one do when Delta is initiated? "First, seek shelter immediately!" Mr. Pallotta said. "Go inside the nearest building and lock the doors and windows. Positively control entry into all facilities, including base housing. Once secure, await additional guidance from emergency response forces and base leadership. If possible, tune into the commander's access channel, read the EMNS messages and electronic ICC directives and/or listen for updates disseminated through the Giant Voice. Be sure to contact family members and put your emergency action plan into motion. Base personnel, as well as their family members, must understand the impact of FPCON Delta and their responsibilities while in the elevated posture." To assist security forces in neutralizing the threat, pedestrian and vehicle movement on base must be very limited. Security Forces need the freedom of movement to focus on threat elements. You can help by restricting all on base non-essential driving/journeys. It is imperative to clear the way for additional responding forces, medical and fire personnel too. During our most recent FPCON Delta response exercise, the Antiterrorism Office and more than 50 Exercise and Evaluation Team members, conducted an evaluation of the base and assessed items such as: personnel knowledge of the current FPCON, reaction to the Giant Voice/wavering tone, urgency to seek immediate shelter and ability to implement required security measures. "There were many positive observations noted but also a number of areas identified requiring attention," Mr Pallotta said. "While most people had a thorough understanding of procedures, a general sense urgency and willingness was found to be lacking. An example of this would be a member continuing to pump gas at the shoppette, instead of ceasing and taking cover. To increase readiness the installation will conduct frequent, no-notice Delta Response exercises on a regular basis. "A rapid and accurate response by all base personnel to an increased FPCON could save lives, enhance protection of resources, and mitigate whatever threat we are facing," said Colonel Douglas Cox, 5th Bomb Wing commander. "We can't predict the future, but readiness is our best method to ensure we're prepared for any scenario."