Exercise provides vital training for student safety

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Kelly LeGuillon
  • 435th Air Base Wing Public Affairs Office
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  The 569th U.S. Forces Police Squadron and Polizei teamed up during a school shooter exercise at Vogelweh Elementary School Nov. 15.

"In conjunction with DODDs we are working to make sure our schools and children are safe throughout the KMC," said Maj. Jeff Carter, 569th USFPS commander.

The purpose of the exercise was to prepare the 569th USFPS, Polizei, and school personnel in tactics used during a school shooting.

"When the 569th USFPS requested use of our facility for a school shooter exercise, we saw it as a wonderful opportunity to work in partnership with security police and German Polizei," said Janie Page, Vogelweh Elementary School assistant principal. "Briefing them on our procedures in the event of such an emergency and also knowing how they would respond to this type of crisis situation was very beneficial for all parties involved. We also saw this as a chance for the 569th USFPS and Polizei to become familiar with our school campus and buildings."

Vogelweh Elementary School is currently the second largest school in the Department of Defense Dependents Schools Europe, with an enrollment of 882 students in three separate buildings across ten acres of land.

The units practiced hostage negotiation, close quarter battle, room clearing, communication, ricochet round and urban area operating procedures. Proficiency in these tactics is an annual requirement for both the 569th USFPS and Polizei.

"We greatly appreciated the collaboration in order to continue to keep our students and staff safe," Ms. Page said.

The exercise was also a chance to work out potential issues that may arise in a practice setting rather than during a real-world situation.

"The exercise was a great opportunity for us to work together with the local German law enforcement community," said Col. Francis Brown, 431st Air Base Group commander. "It enhanced mutual understanding of procedures and command relationships. It also enabled us to refine operations during a frank and open discussion with the assembled leadership after the exercise. Overall the exercise was a phenomenal success"