Defenders participate in training demonstration
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. James Vaughan, IV, 81st Security Forces Squadron unit trainer, secures the room as Staff Sgt. Zachary Vega, 81st SFS unit scheduler, portrays the "shooter" lying dead on the floor during an 81st SFS active shooter training demonstration at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, March 14, 2019. The scenario included a disgruntled Airman with marital problems and a pending administrative discharge who ran the entry gate which then escalated to an active shooter situation. Leadership attended the event, which is one of several in recognition of the Year Of The Defender, to observe what steps Keesler Defenders take during a high intensity situation, such as an active shooter, in preparation for real-world situations. Tech. Sgt. Anthony Horton, 81st SFS training NCO in charge, said that the demonstration provided defenders with a realistic scenario that encompassed baseline first responder skills and effectively breeds multi-agency cooperation toward the common goal of minimizing casualties and neutralizing the threat expeditiously. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)