Vance conducting active-shooter exercise June 1

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VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  As a result of the lessons learned at Fort Hood, Texas, in 2009, Gen. Stephen Lorenz, commander of the Air Education and Training Command, directed all AETC bases to plan and execute an active-shooter exercise.

After months of planning, Vance's exercise will kick off Tuesday, June 1, to evaluate the base's ability to respond to an emergency situation similar to the Fort Hood shooting.

Altus AFB, Okla., and Sheppard AFB, Texas, will also conduct active-shooter exercises June 1-3.

"AETC headquarters will participate in the exercise as well," said Lt. Col. Stephen Wisser, the 71st Flying Training Wing Chief of Plans and Exercises. "We're testing the AETC command and control by having three bases exercise at the same time."

The remaining nine AETC bases will conduct active-shooter exercises in the near future, said Colonel Wisser.

Team Vance should anticipate delays Tuesday at the base gates and when using other base services, said Colonel Wisser. "Everyone on base will participate in this exercise."

The following information provides reaction guidelines in case an active shooter is in your building or immediate area, either during an exercise, or during a real-world event.

Evacuate if possible:
  • Evacuate to the nearest exit or the closest lockable room.
  • Have an escape route and plan in mind.
  • Evacuate regardless of whether others agree to follow.
  • Leave all belongings behind and help others escape, if possible.
  • Prevent others from entering an area where the active shooter may be present.
Hide out if you cannot evacuate:
  • Lock the door and blockade it with heavy furniture.
  • Silence all cell phones and turn off any sources of noise in the room, such as a television or radio.
  • Hide behind large items and remain calm.
  • Hide in a place out of the active shooter's view and provide protection if shots are fired.
  • Do not hide in a place that will restrict options for movement.
  • For exercises call Vance Crime Stop, 213-7200 -- for real world events call 911 -- to alert police to the active shooter's location. If speaking is not an option, then leave the phone line open to allow the dispatcher to listen.
  • Do not open the doors for anyone until you have received an authentic all clear notification. Dial 213-7200, if in doubt, for authentication of all clear.
Take action as a last resort:
  • As a last resort, and only when death is imminent, attempt to disrupt or incapacitate the active shooter by throwing items and improvising weapons, yelling or acting as aggressively as possible against him or her. Ensure you commit to your actions.
  • Escape if you can. If the shooter is in close range and you cannot flee, your chance of survival is much greater if you try to incapacitate him or her.
When law enforcement arrives:
  • Remain calm, and follow the police officer's instructions.
  • Place any carried items on the ground, raise both hands and spread all fingers.
  • Keep hands visible at all times, and avoid making quick movements toward officers, such as attempting to hold on to them for safety.
  • Avoid pointing, screaming or yelling.
  • Do not stop to ask officers for help or direction when evacuating. Just proceed in the direction from which officers are entering the premises.
After you have evacuated:
  • Provide details about the active shooter to law enforcement personnel. Members should provide the following information: location and number of shooters, physical description of shooters, number and type of weapons used and number and location of potential victims.
  • Assist with providing medical care until medical personnel arrive on scene, if possible.