Highlighting Teamwork

Luke defenders, law enforcement train for real-world response

BY STAFF SGT. AMBER CARTER

56th Fighter Wing Public Aff airs

During a basewide exercise, the Luke Command Post Giant Voice System announced, “Lockdown, lockdown, lockdown — real-world incident,” triggering a full-scale emergency response.

While almost everyone on the base sheltered in place, the screams of sirens and racing vehicles showcased the rapid, integrated response of the ones who have sworn to serve and protect — the defenders and the local police offi cers. Although offi cials determined the emergency was a false alarm, the actions taken showcased the strong relationship the base shares with community emergency response teams.

“Our integrated response is more than having supporting reinforcement provided by our local law enforcement departments,” says Maj. Kimberly Guest, 56th Security Forces Squadron commander. “Security Forces, the Offi ce of Special Investigations, the U.S. Marshals, Maricopa County Sheriff ’s Offi ce and Glendale Police Department SWAT were inside the (threat area), seamlessly supporting each other.

“Th e immediate and in-depth mutual response was highlighted during this real-world response. Over 100 law enforcement offi cers were on scene clearing the (threat area) within minutes,” Guest says.

Luke Air Force Base is no stranger to the importance of partnerships, having multiple foreign partners training and fl ying together with the ultimate goal of fi ghting as one team.

Th is idea carries over into base security as well with the 56th SFS, Glendale Police Department and the Maricopa County Sheriff ’s Offi ce training and working together.

“Th e sheriff ’s offi ce, local law enforcement and military oft en have diff erent missions, practices and procedures,” says Capt. Shawn Braaten, MCSO District II commander. “Combined training (enhances) communications, best practice tactics and an awareness of current SFS procedures. Integration (provides) environmental awareness for the sheriff ’s offi ce, familiarity of the venue and SFS procedures. Th ere are several diff erences between organizations, policies, procedure, mission and tactics. Th e objective of the integrated training is to enhance safety for all involved and all stakeholders.”

When the exercise turned into a possible real-world threat, the partnership between local police and on-base security forces showcased the importance of the partnerships between the diff erent departments, according to Lt. Marc McCauslin, GPD patrolman.

“Teamwork was highlighted,” McCauslin says. “Th ere were three agencies and many people working this event with a vast diversity of experience and training, including ranks from upper management to line level. Th ere were no egos to compete with, as all parties worked with the same goal in mind: to save lives and stop the threat. I was very impressed with everything and everyone I observed during the response.”

Training together not only helps them to work together seamlessly, but it allows the local law enforcement to supplement security on the base.

“In addition to routine patrolling and deterrence of criminal activity throughout our communities, intelligence sharing occurs daily for any potential or credible threats to our airmen, both on and off the installation,” Guest says. “Intelligence sharing assists and informs force protection recommendations to our members, families and community.”

According to Guest, working side by side with community partners creates an environment of undeniable support, in training and in real-world operations.

“Integrated response doesn’t change the level or quality of training for either department, on base or off , but it does build rapport, mutual understanding and strengthens our partnerships, especially for real-world responses,” Guest says.

Luke’s relationship with local law enforcement impacts not only the current security but the future of the base’s security as well.

“Th e partnership, training support and real-world support are unparalleled,” Guest says. “Th e routine training focus and interoperability has been a point in which our defenders and airmen have benefi ted and will continue to benefi t (from) for years to come.”

Airmen from the 56th Security Forces Squadron and offi cers from the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Offi ce train at the scene of an exercise at Luke Air Force Base. Security forces, MCSO and the Glendale Police Department all participated in the exercise, which evaluated the training, readiness and capability of Luke airmen to respond to an active shooter. At the conclusion of the exercise, a real-world threat was announced and every law enforcement member participating in the exercise rapidly transitioned to the integrated response. Exercises ensure airmen meet warfi ghting needs with a continuous drive toward more effective and effi cient training, sharpening their real-world skills. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Amber Carter)