20th SFS Airmen train for real world threats

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Edward Leslie, 20th Security Forces Squadron standards and evaluation technician, observes a group of Airmen entering a building in search of a simulated active shooter during a training session at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., Oct. 29, 2014. During the training, Leslie observes the Airmen closely so that they meet the criteria of the training. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Michael Cossaboom/Released)

20th SFS Airmen train for real world threats

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Edward Leslie, 20th Security Forces Squadron standards and evaluation technician, follows a group of Airmen through an active shooter training session at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., Oct. 29, 2014. Leslie follows the Airmen throughout the building to ensure they use proper technique, movements, and perform proper actions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Michael Cossaboom/Released)

20th SFS Airmen train for real world threats

A U.S. Air Force Airman assigned to the 20th Security Forces Squadron guards a door during an active shooter training session at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., Oct. 29, 2014. Airmen entered the building in four-man teams, apprehended an active shooter, rescued hostages inside, and secured the building. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Michael Cossaboom/Released)

20th SFS Airmen train for real world threats

Published Nov. 4, 2014
By Airman 1st Class Michael Cossaboom
20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- The 20th Security Forces Squadron held an active shooter training session here, Oct. 29.

The purpose of the training was to teach and ensure Airmen know what action and procedures to take in the event of an active shooter situation.

Six teams of four Airmen entered the shoot-house, engaged a simulated active shooter, rescued hostages, and secured the building.

"As a security forces member, it is critical that everybody knows the proper procedures and guidelines to accomplish any given task in a multitude of different situations," said Staff Sgt. Edward Leslie, 20th SFS standards and evaluation technician.

Shaw is home to more than 8,000 military personnel, and their safety and protection falls on the security forces Airmen.

"In the last decade, the United States has experienced an increase of active shooter incidents, forcing law enforcement agencies to take steps to prevent and react to these scenarios," said Capt. Richard Buckley, 20th SFS operations officer. "Responding security forces must act immediately, swiftly, and purposefully to prevent as much harm to innocent people as possible."

In safeguarding the personnel, families and assets of Shaw AFB, security forces Airmen train for a variety of real-world situations to ensure they are capable and can act with confidence and force.

"Throughout training Airmen can ask any questions they have and clarify any topic they are not sure about," said Leslie. "That way they will know what is right and what is wrong."

The training is designed to be as realistic as possible in order to really test the Airmen's ability, said Buckley.

"I have never been in a real active shooter situation," said Leslie. "I hope it never happens at a base I'm at or at any other base for that matter. But anything can happen, so I just have to be prepared and ready along with other security forces members."

Security forces Airmen are required to go through active shooter training certification at least once a year.