Civilian Active Attack Response Protocol training offered to C5ISR workforce

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. — To empower and prepare the workforce, Civilian Active Attack Response Protocol training was provided to the C5ISR workforce at the Myer Auditorium May 20-23. This was the first time CAARP training was offered at the C5ISR campus.

On May 20, information sessions were given to the general workforce, managers, and senior leaders. Instruction was provided by Achilles Strategic Readiness. ASR instructors are adjunct trainers for the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training Center, which is partnered with Texas State University, the FBI-named national standard in active assailant response training.

During the general workforce information session, the ASR instructors discussed several active assailant incidents and the three tactics you can use to keep yourself and others safe during an attack, “run, hide, and fight.”

Patrick Meffert, the CEO of ASR, said the Columbine High School Massacre in 1999 changed the way law enforcement handled mass shootings. The shooting highlighted a lack of preparation needed to respond to a fast-moving mass shooting, he said.

Preparing for emergencies

Meffert, who is an Army retired command sergeant major who served in the 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne), reiterated that it is critical to be prepared for emergencies. He encouraged attendees to ensure they have a plan, so they know what to do in the event of an active assailant attack. He said attendees can empower themselves by learning basic medical techniques to help a victim before first responders arrive at the scene.

Meffert advised the attendees to be situationally aware. This includes being aware of exits and where you go to avoid an active assailant.

“You always have to have that exit plan; you want to be thinking two steps ahead,” he said.

U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command Antiterrorism Officer Carly Garrett told supervisors to ensure employees have the C5ISR Emergency Action Plan, which details how to respond to multiple situations. Garrett advised attendees to read it carefully so they would be prepared in the event of an emergency and prevent miscommunication.

Practical scenario-based drills

During the week, the workforce was offered several practical, scenario-based drills. These two-hour sessions provided a safe environment to practice and build confidence. During the medical portion of the training, participants learned how to apply a tourniquet.

According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, a person who is bleeding can die from blood loss within five minutes. Therefore, bystanders can potentially help save lives if they can quickly stop blood loss. Attendees can learn more by taking an American Red Cross First Aid training class or Stop the Bleed, offered by the American College of Surgeons.

“After the Sandy Hook shooting in 2012, the Stop the Bleed program was spun up to really start empowering civilians because if someone is bleeding from an artery, especially if it is femoral, time is critical,” said ASR instructor John Cantarella.

The instructors encouraged attendees to purchase tourniquets and practice often to be prepared in case of emergency. They said learning to apply them in 20 seconds or less is the goal. The instructors also taught wound packing and applying chest seals, which are used for open chest wounds.

In another drill session, participants practiced “run, hide, and fight.” The instructors used training weapons with blank shotgun shells to make the scenarios more realistic. Garrett said using training weapons led to a heightened sense of awareness for most participants.

During the week, personnel from the APG Directorate of Emergency Services and Harford County Sherrif’s Office Special Response Team supported the training and provided their insight and experience.

“This collective level of expertise combined with medical training and very realistic scenario drills really set a new standard,” said CECOM G3/5 Operations Division Chief Lara Orechovesky.

Building resilience

Orechovesky said the drills with training weapons forced attendees to learn how they would react under high stress during an actual event.

“While many civilians have prior military experience, there are just as many that don’t, and until you’re in a crisis situation, you really can’t know how you’re going to react,” she said, “Executing as many realistic drills as possible, helps us all build that muscle memory and response.”

Program Executive Office Intelligence, Electronic Warfare & Sensors Operations Division Chief Noel Osborne said a positive attitude is crucial for leaders and employees to navigate tumultuous times, such as during an active assailant incident.

“Maintaining a positive outlook can help in making rational decisions and ensuring the safety of everyone involved,” Osborne said. “Psychological resilience supports the idea that a positive mental attitude can be a significant factor in coping with traumatic events.”

Employee empowerment

G3/5 Director of Operations Col. Reginald Harris said the CAARP training helped to prepare the workforce for a potential threat.

“I think the CAARP training is important because, while we diligently work to secure our installation, the unfortunate reality is that threats can emerge anywhere, making the CAARP training a vital investment in preparedness – not just for our workplace, but for our lives in the community,” he said. “This training empowers each of us with the skills and mindset to recognize threats and protect ourselves and others, fostering resilience and a commitment to safety, and ultimately, a collective responsibility for one another’s well-being.”

Harris added that the CAARP training hammered home the idea that preparation isn’t about predicting what will happen but building a mental framework for reacting to anything.

“Shifting thinking from ‘if’ to ‘when’ – which is a surprisingly empowering perspective,” he said. “It’s not about succumbing to fear but about recognizing that proactive awareness and a clear plan, even a simple one, can be the difference between being a victim and being a survivor. It’s a skillset we should all treat with the same seriousness as any other professional development.”

Looking ahead

Garrett said CAARP is an investment in the workforce, and there will be more efforts in the future. In August, an active assailant drill will be in conjunction with Antiterrorism Awareness Month. This campus-wide drill will involve DES, agency, and campus partners. Training weapons and blank shotgun shells will be used.

“We really need everyone’s participation,” Garrett said.

In August, there will also be high explosives sweeps and random antiterrorism measures, or RAMs.

Garrett said more first-aid kits will be installed within the units, and more communication devices and radios will be procured.

Additionally, in September, in conjunction with National Preparedness Month, first aid, CPR, and Stop the Bleed training will be offered for free on the C5ISR campus.

For more information, contact Garrett at carly.p.garrett.civ@army.mil/520-671-1180 or the CECOM G3/5 protection team at usarmy.apg.cecom.list.g3-5-protection-cell-distro@army.mil with any questions.

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