Security Forces train to thwart sniper attacks Published Jan. 6, 2010 By Susan Griggs Keesler News editor KEESLER AFB, Ms. -- In December, Keesler law enforcers got the instruction they need to respond to sniper attacks by participating in active shooter crisis response training. "This training is essentially responding to a Columbine or Fort Hood type of event," explained Tech. Sgt. Joshua Reese, the lead instructor for the 81st Security Forces Squadron. "We provide the officer with the basic fundamentals, characteristics and responsibilities to an active shooter crisis response. "Through demonstration practice, a laboratory and a practical exercise, this course introduces the students to basic and non-traditional tactics that will increase their survivability when facing an active threat," he continued. "Students learn the importance of using good tactics and teamwork when responding to and searching for an active threat." As of Dec. 17, 125 of Keesler's security forces have received the training. Sergeant Reese noted that the course becomes a mandatory requirement this year. "Given the circumstances and history of prior violent exchanges between active shooters and law enforcement on military bases, I feel that this is a critical and perishable skill," said Sergeant Reese, who taught the course with other squadron graduates of Air Education and Training Command's pilot ASCR course. "During the initial phase of training, we are only training 81st SFS personnel, with the intent to train jointly with our civilian counterparts annually in the future," he added. "The volunteer assistant instructors and role-players have been instrumental in making this phase of training an overwhelming success," he pointed out. "There's no way I could complete this without their help."