Base practices emergency response

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Danny Monahan
  • Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Base emergency responders participated in an anti-terrorism exercise to prepare students and faculty for a school-wide emergency at Memorial Middle School here March 7.

According to the school's principal, this marked the first time the school participated in an exercise of this kind.

"I think this exercise is beneficial to us for a number of reasons," said Principal Tom Holtz. "It forces us to look at our emergency plan, it builds a better relationship between the base and the Minot Public School System, and it gives responders the practice they need."

Students were released from school early so the emergency responders could perform the exercise.

In all, the 5th Security Forces Squadron, the 5th Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal and fire protection flights, and the 5th Bomb Wing anti-terrorism/force protection office, and various members from the school faculty participated in the exercise.

"When responding to a situation at a school, it's very different than a military building," said Master Sgt. Sidney Jones, 5th SFS. "Fire discipline is very important when dealing with civilians such as students. Children are our most precious asset."

Before the exercise began and students were released, an assembly was held where students were briefed about possible threats and how to react to suspicious activities and learned about the various agencies that would respond to an emergency situation. The day before the exercise, students were also taught the proper classroom procedures if an intruder ever entered the school.

First, students were introduced to Ceylon, a military working dog from 5th SFS, who ran around the gymnasium sniffing bags and briefcases for explosives.

Then, base officials explained how, if an explosive was found, EOD would come in and try to dispose of it. EOD showed off "Andros," a robot which can be maneuvered from a remote screen so Airmen can try to detonate an explosive from a safe distance.

"The kids really enjoyed this and it was a good learning experience," said Principal Holtz.

Overall, the exercise scenario involved an intruder taking a class hostage.

"The purpose of the exercise is to familiarize ourselves with the school and conduct integrated training in case there's a hostile situation," said P.J. Pallotta, base AT/FP officer.