Joint base CYSS trains for unthinkable, recognizes top performers

By Delonte Harrod, Pentagram Staff WriterOctober 15, 2015

Joint base CYSS trains for unthinkable, recognizes top performers
Marine Corps Lt. Col. John Orille, far left, deputy commander, Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, and JBM-HH Command Sgt. Maj. Randall Woods, far right, pose with award recipients from JBM-HH Child Youth and School Services during a CYSS in-service trai... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Child Youth and School Services' second in-service day was characterized by intense conversation and a joyful celebration.

The Child Youth and School Services (CYSS) in-service day was held in the gym at the Cody Child Development Center Oct. 9. This particular in-service day was important because CYSS trained its staff on what to do on the Fort Meyer portion of the joint base during an active shooter scenario. Dawn Thompson, Child and Youth Services coordinator, gave opening remarks and led training about how to implement a plan in case of an emergency: severe weather, radiological emergency, an active shooter or a chemical attack.

According to the document used at the in-service training that details MAC (Mobilization and Contingency Plan) strategy, the overall goal of the training is to enlighten and empower people on what to do in times of crises. Kerry Ross, parent outreach director at the CDC, said, "This document gives [answers] to such questions like what do we do, where do we go and who tells us where to go."

"We have acknowledged the need to raise the awareness and consciousness of the staff to safety and procedures that they would need to take in the event of any kind of emergency," explained Thompson. MAC strategy, according to Thompson, has been in place for some time and has been continually updated.

About four years ago, staff received training on what to do if a shooter entered the building, according to Ross.

"That was four years ago," said Ross. Since then, they've hired new staff, who need up-to-date training.

"We are at a point now that we need to put [this training] on the calendar more," said Ross.

And recent shootings have elevated their concerns about safety and caused staff to ask new questions.

"What can we do to be more prepared in our environment?" asked Thompson. "Knowing and being prepared is the first step."

JBM-HH Anti-terrorism expert Vihn Cayton, who taught the active shooter portion of the MAC strategy, said the training does help people to think critically and to react in accordance with the training they've received.

"The training is important because the elevation of the active shooter incidents have increased," he explained. He also acknowledged that dangerous situations like these happen outside of military bases and how this training can help. "The training is kind of designed for individuals to be prepared and [to] think on their feet."

He said he would like to see government workers properly equipped, so that they can properly react to dangerous situations no matter where they occur.

"We are responsible for a lot of children," said Ross. There are about 400 children and some 150 faculty across JBM-HH's CYSS programs, she added.

"I do think the knowledge [is helpful], so that in a real life situation, we would be able to execute and know where to go," Ross said.

Over the years, Ross said, parents have asked questions around the issue of school shootings.

"The parents have been very supportive," she said.

Ross said the training that they received Oct. 9 are "baby steps," but said these steps are needed for a future table-top exercise that will put the active shooter lessons to test.

A table top exercise would entail members acting as if there is a real shooter in the building and they would react according to the training they've received. The exercise is scheduled for February.

But the day wasn't only characterized by intense, informative training and dialogue about school shootings. Administration and JBM-HH leaders also recognized staff who have contributed to making the program better. Leaders recognized those who had received praise from various parents for their customer service.

To recognize those individuals, Thompson asked them to stand as she called their names.

"There are certain things here that are so difficult and challenging to the average person that employees here make it seem so easy to accommodate that it's almost magical," said Marine Corps Lt. Col. John Orille, JBM-HH deputy commander, who helped to present the awards.

Federal workers with 5, 10, 15 or more years of service were also recognized for their continued service.

"It is really important to recognize staff for all the achievements they do," said Thompson. "I think it's good to do it in a public forum, to mark the time...because it helps us to support one another and to recognize people for all [that they do] throughout the year."