Neutralizing the threat

A security response team makes its way through the Base Exchange in search of an active-shooter during a training exercise at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Aug. 14, 2015. From the moment they respond to a scene, security personnel must be on guard and move in tactical formation ensuring their safety and the safety of all around them. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jose L. Hernandez-Domitilo/Released)

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Neutralizing the threat

John Knipe, Pacific Air Forces High Risk Response Training instructor, guides security personnel on tactics for safely securing areas during an active-shooter threat exercise at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Aug. 14, 2015. Security personnel took part in a five-day training course where they learned about tactics and techniques based on contemporary special weapons and tactics training. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jose L. Hernandez-Domitilo/Released)

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Neutralizing the threat

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Scott Bost, 35th Security Forces Squadron patrolman, instructs a bystander to seek safety during an active-shooter threat exercise at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Aug. 15, 2015. As part of the training exercise, security response personnel encountered role players which added to the realism of the unpredictable environment they may face during threats like this. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jose L. Hernandez-Domitilo/Released)

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Neutralizing the threat

A role player lays on the floor as security forces personnel pursue a gunman as part of an active-shooter threat exercise at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Aug. 14, 2015. Simulating realistic scenarios of what security response force members might encounter provides them with valuable experience when reacting to unpredictable environments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jose L. Hernandez-Domitilo/Released)

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Neutralizing the threat

A gunman holds an individual hostage during an active-shooter threat exercise at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Aug. 15, 2015. Security response personnel must take appropriate measures to ensure the safety of bystanders caught in the crossfire. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jose L. Hernandez-Domitilo/Released)

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Neutralizing the threat

Response Force Members from the 35th Security Forces Squadron carry a mock injured victim to safety as part of an active-shooter threat exercise at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Aug. 14, 2015. Mock victims are moved to safety and provided first aid once additional security forces personnel arrive to assist in neutralizing the threat. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jose L. Hernandez-Domitilo/Released)

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Neutralizing the threat

Fire Protection Specialists from the 35th Civil Engineer Squadron identify wounds on mock injured victims during an active-shooter threat exercise at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Aug. 15, 2015. Emergency responders from the fire department and 35th Medical Group enter the scene to provide assistance to wounded or injured victims following the neutralization of an active-shooter threat. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jose L. Hernandez-Domitilo/Released)

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Neutralizing the threat

Published Aug. 14, 2015
By Senior Airman Jose L. Hernandez-Domitilo
35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- Security personnel from the 35th Security Forces Squadron and Naval Air Facility Misawa underwent a five-day High Risk Response course at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Aug. 10-14. Following the course they responded to an active-shooter exercise to test their ability to respond and neutralize a threat on-base. Widely reported active shooter cases in recent years have highlighted the need for planning and training to effectively and rapidly respond to these crises.