Military Police and Explosive Ordinance Disposal Respond to Active Shooter Scenario on Hohenfels

Photo By Pvt. Jordan Humphries | U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to Raptor Task force Military Police drag a simulated casualty to safety during KFOR 27 at Hohenfels training area, Germany, March 1, 2020. As part of the active shooter training the Military Police were to evacuate casualty to safety in a timely manner. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Jordan Humphries)  

HOHENFELS, BAYERN, GERMANY

03.01.2020

Story by Pvt. Jordan Humphries 

Joint Multinational Readiness Center

HOHENFELS, Germany- Members of the Raptors Observer Coach/Trainers team oversee an active shooter scenario during KFOR 27. Task Force Military Police and Task Force Explosive Ordinance Disposal participated in the training as it provides awareness, preparation, prevention and response methods.

“This training is important to the MP’s because active shooter incidents are reoccurring, so knowing how to react and how to save lives in case of an incident is really important,” said Sgt. 1st. Class Juan Salinas, an observer coach trainer with the Raptors team.

U.S. Army Capt. Toby Neal, an observer coach trainer, added "This is a great opportunity for law enforcement to get realistic training with not notice and a chance to see if they are on target with paintball rounds."

During the training there were two active shooter roll players, one armed with a detonator the other with an explosive vest. The roll players were tasked with holding a building unknown to the Military Police and taking hostages. The Military Police had three initial tasks eliminating the threat, getting the hostages out of the building safely and finding the bomb.

The training did not come without its challenges, the building was an obstacle because the Military Police had no layout or pre-plans for it and there was only one exit and entrance.

"Soldiers in general are trained to go towards gunfire, but with MP's the number one priority is to eliminate threats and preserve life- this means they have to overcome obstacles that may be in their way'" said Neal.

With the limitations stacking up they did not allow that to stop them from doing their jobs. After disarming the active shooter roll players, the Military Police called in Task Force Explosive Ordinance Disposal to disarm the explosive.

“The MP’s did a great job getting enough personnel to eliminate however many shooters were in the build in making sure all the hostages were safe and making sure the building was clear to move Explosive Ordinance Disposal in to get rid of the bomb threat,” stated Salinas.

With the completion and mission success under their belts Task Force Military Police and Explosive Ordinance Disposal are ready for anything thrown their way during KFOR 27.

• Date Taken: 03.01.2020
• Date Posted: 03.06.2020 10:57
• Story ID: 364540
• Location: HOHENFELS, BAYERN, DE