Ft. Bliss simulates “lone gunman” scenario for emergency preparedness exercise
Fort Bliss conducts exercises quarterly, so it can be ready for any emergency situation.Thursday’s was a lone gunman who killed 15, and wounded 60.
Beaumont Army Medical Center became overwhelmed. Fifteen bodies needed to be airlifted, 60 wounded needed to be treated.
“It starts off just as any other event and anybody will tell you, whether its combat or emergency or something to do with a shooter, there’s a lot of chaos involved in the initially stages,” said Fort Bliss garrison commander Col. Michael J. Hester.
The lone gunman or active shooter scenario is one practiced at posts and bases across the country. and for good reason. In 2009 at Fort Hood, U.S. Army major and psychiatrist Nidal Hasan, fatally shot 13 people and injured more than 30 others. Just five years later, army specialist Ivan Lopez killed three people and himself, after injuring 14. Add the increasing pressure from foreign terrorist groups and military installations can’t afford to let their guard down.
“Every case every shots fired is the worst case scenario,” said Hester. “I’m a worst case guy, right? And then we can always deescalate from there.”
A Fort Bliss emergency begins with a 911 call, followed by first responders. From there the information goes to an incident command post. The goal is speed, treating the injured and apprehending the suspect to prevent casualties. At the same time, the Fort Bliss Operations Center collects information and develops a strategy, coordinating with federal and local law enforcement agencies.
The protocol is to lock down the post immediately if shots are fired and/or a suspect/s could be on the loose.
If you’re a civilian, you cannot have a gun on post. If you’re a soldier, you have 72 hours to register your weapon. Hunters on Fort Bliss land can also register their gun.
