CRANE, Ind. -- Being aware of your surroundings is a theme repeated often to Crane Army Ammunition Activity employees during active shooter training; training that is seen as key for survival, especially in light of the recent shooting at the Washington Navy Yard.
Department of Defense employees receive annual training to reinforce what should be done in cases of an active shorter. Employees are trained that the first and most important action to take during an active shooter event is to attempt to escape the scene or building in the fastest way possible. Since this can be difficult to accomplish without putting yourself in the line of fire of the shooter; however, the second action to take is to hide in any way and anywhere possible.
The events in Washington, D.C., serve as a strong reminder that the training cannot be taken for granted and that such tragedies can occur even on secure military installations.
Last October, employees in Crane Army's headquarters building had a live action drill to help underscore the importance of staying safe during one of these events. The training provided Crane Army employees a very real scenario in which they had to react to a shooting scenario. It also allowed Naval Support Activity Crane's police force a chance to respond to an Active Shooter scenario.
As part of the training, Crane Army leadership instructed the workforce, "…remain calm and if at all possible, follow the instructions of your leadership and most importantly the Security Forces that will respond to the threat. Also, accountability is key. We have to account for all personnel to ensure no one is missing and/or injured. Finally, ensure you have good rendezvous points where everyone is safe and out of the immediate threat area. This is also a good location for accountability of personnel."
Crane Army Assistant Security Officer Duke Wall provided to the workforce key questions for them to think about in advance of an attack. He questioned, "What is the quickest route of escape from my current location? If I cannot escape, where can I safely hide? Can I block the entrance? Have I muted my cell phone so it can't be heard by the gunman?"
He added, "The Navy Police Force conducts training for these situations. If an event occurs, keep in mind that they will respond, and will need everyone's complete cooperation to resolve the conflict."
It is training that all employees hope that they will not need, but must continually practice in case the unthinkable does happen one day.
Established Oct. 1977, Crane Army Ammunition Activity maintains ordnance professionals and infrastructure in order to receive, store, ship, produce, renovate and demilitarize conventional ammunition, missiles and related components. CAAA also provides command oversight of Iowa Army Ammunition Plant, Letterkenny Munitions Center, Pa., and Milan Army Ammunition Center, Tenn.
Social Sharing