As military police enter the room, an active shooter notionally fires in their direction. Through properly-executed escalation of force the MPs succeed in subduing their target before the exercise controllers call end-ex and provide feedback on their performance.
Civilian police officers and Marine military policemen officers from the Combat Center Provost Marshal’s Office participated in training scenarios such as domestic disturbance, escalation of force and active shooter exercises at Range 800, Aug. 30.
“We are exposing our Marines and civilian police officers to these scenarios so that they are prepared for what could potentially happen on scene,” said Capt. Richard Adams, operations officer, PMO. “Bringing the military police to Range 800 gives the sense of realism that training on mainside does not provide.”
The Combat Center Special Reaction Team instructed the officers and served as role players each event. Officers responded to a wide range of domestic disturbances, notional active shooters and escalation of force situations at three stations, while using simunition, non-lethal training ammunition, to subdue the role-players if deemed necessary.
“In law enforcement, continual training is critical to keeping our officers ready for any situation,” said Officer Lieutenant Jason Mabon, watch commander, PMO. “These scenarios may be worst case in most instances, but we want them to have the proper training and right mindset when going to any situation while on the watch.”
According to many of the civilian and Marine officers, this training is key to their success, camaraderie and effectiveness as a unit.
“The training today has given many of us an accurate perspective of what we could potentially walk in to in our line of work,” said Lance Cpl. Ryan Rivas, military police, PMO. “We are here to protect the Marines, sailors and their families aboard this base. Many Marines trust us to keep order and protect their families while they are on deployment, in the field or at work. It is important that we train here to help us best provide those services.”