Day of organized chaos provides lifesaving knowledge to MNBG-E Soldiers

By Sgt. Cody Barber, 11th Public Affairs DetachmentJune 21, 2014

Tending to the victims
1 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – CAMP BONDSTEEL, Kosovo -- Camp Bondsteel firefighters treat and watch over the various simulated wounded personnel at a casualty collection point during a force protection exercise, June 17. Multiple entities had to work together and overcome challe... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Loading simulated casualties on board
2 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – CAMP BONDSTEEL, Kosovo -- Multinational Battle Group-East Soldiers load simulated patients onto a MEDEVAC helicopter during force protection training on Camp Bondsteel, June 17. The events tested troops on their ability to react to possible real-life... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
A mass casualty event at Camp Bondsteel
3 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – CAMP BONDSTEEL, Kosovo -- Task Force Medical Soldiers treat and evaluate a simulated casualty in the hospital hallway during a force protection exercise on Camp Bondsteel, June 17. Simulated events such as a car bomb and an active shooter on base cau... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

CAMP BONDSTEEL, Kosovo (June 17, 2014) -- The day was like a Hollywood horror movie -- pouring rain, cracks of thunder, and a killer on the loose. For the security forces at Camp Bondsteel however, this wasn't a movie, but rather a challenging, simulated exercise.

Soldiers with Kosovo Force's Multinational Battle Group-East participated in a camp-wide force protection training scenario, June 17. The training tested troops on their ability to react to possible security events, while working together with different agencies on the camp, such as the fire department and DynCorp security.

"The intent of the recent training event was to stress force protection systems by modifying the challenges responders must address," said U.S. Army Capt. Branson Love, MNBG-E Provost Marshal and a Clinton, Mo., native. "This exercise emphasized the lattermost option as evidenced by an increase of incidents, spatial regions affected, notional casualties and communication requirements."

The event started in the morning with a simulated car bomb detonating near the main gate and injuring numerous security guards. Shortly thereafter, shots rang out inside one of the gyms located on base, where a simulated active shooter began his rampage, causing multiple casualties. This ultimately led to the final training event for the Kosovo Force Soldiers, which was a mass casualty exercise.

"The exercises were developed to accomplish multiple objectives [such as the] functional evaluation of a mass notification system, challenging emergency responders' tactical capabilities, and evaluating Camp Bondsteel Emergency Management synchronization," said Love.

Love functioned as the incident commander during scenarios. He assumed operational control of the incident sites, directed responders and resources, and coordinated the activities of responding agencies. He said the sheer scale of the event was part of the test, and that all of the events were emplaced to put increased tension on the Kosovo Force responders.

"A diverse range of expertise is needed to effectively mitigate hazards that might threaten human lives and mission requirements," Love added.

At the base hospital, the influx of simulated casualties seemed to come in like a conveyor belt as patients filled up beds and hallways. Spc. Megan Woods, a combat medic with Task Force Medical and a native of Mesa. Ariz., was one of the personnel on scene treating the casualties, and said it shined new light upon her job.

"It gave me a different perspective, especially since we had the [simulated] shooter on one of the beds in the emergency room," said Woods. "It was a good learning experience."

Just as fast as the patients arrived, they were treated, and Woods attributed that to the communication between the medical personnel.

"The communication was outstanding compared to our last mass casualty exercise," said Woods. "The turnaround [of patients] was a lot faster because we knew exactly what we were doing."

One of the trainees during the event, U.S. Army Sgt. Ronunda Henley, a patrol supervisor with the Camp Bondsteel Military Police platoon and native of Birmingham, Ala., said the training was an eye-opening experience.

"This event tested my ability to perform under a stressful environment while having to maintain a level head during the unfolding of these events," said Henley. "It also tested my patrols' capability to perform tasks according to the standard operating procedures and my ability to effectively lead patrols."

Her responsibility during the training was serving as the extra eyes and ears for Love, and she believes training is an excellent way to stay proficient in her skills.

"The skills Soldiers learn are perishable and everyone can become complacent," said Henley. "The training provides insight to areas our Soldiers should focus on to ensure they know their role."

Love said there are several limitations that prevent groups from mastering all skills required for effective emergency management. He felt the training was essential to everyone involved in the events.

"In a deployed environment, training is essential to defeat physical threats to safety and welfare and [to] honor [Soldiers'] commitments to support and defend," said Love.

Related Links:

NATO's Kosovo Force

More U.S. Army news

U.S. Army Office of the Provost Marshal

Army Antiterrorism Stand To!

U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command

U.S. Army Military Police School