Urban training site provides realistic training for defenders

A senior airman assigned to the 60th Security Forces Squadron looks around a corner while clearing a building during a simulated active shooter training event April 13, 2016, at Travis Air Force Base, California. Airmen taking part in the training were donned in tactical gear and face protection as they utilized non-lethal training ammunition to increase the realism of the active shooter scenario. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Charles Rivezzo)

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Urban training site provides realistic training for defenders

A staff sergeant assigned to the 60th Security Forces Squadron enters a structure in an attempt to clear the building of a simulated active shooter threat April 13, 2016, at Travis Air Force Base, California. The training event was part of the annual requirement for security forces Airmen to train on active shooter incidents. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Charles Rivezzo)

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Urban training site provides realistic training for defenders

An airman first class assigned to the 60th Security Forces Squadron works to clear a building during an active shooter training event April 13, 2016, at Travis Air Force Base, California. The active shooter training took place at the installation’s newly constructed Emergency Responder Urban Training Site. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Charles Rivezzo)

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Urban training site provides realistic training for defenders

Airmen assigned to the 60th Security Forces Squadron move toward the sound of gunfire during an active shooter training event April 13, 2016, at Travis Air Force Base, California. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Charles Rivezzo)

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Urban training site provides realistic training for defenders

Two Airmen assigned to the 60th Security Forces Squadron carry out a simulated casualty during an active shooter training event April 13, 2016, at Travis Air Force Base, California. During the training event, Airmen had to properly identify, secure, and protect several bystanders who moved throughout the buildings. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Charles Rivezzo)

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Urban training site provides realistic training for defenders

An airman first class assigned to the 60th Security Forces Squadron works to clear a building during an active shooter training event April 13, 2016, at Travis Air Force Base, California. The active shooter training took place at the installation’s newly constructed Emergency Responder Urban Training Site. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Charles Rivezzo)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Urban training site provides realistic training for defenders

A senior airman assigned to the 60th Security Forces Squadron works to clear a building during an active shooter training event April 13, 2016, at Travis Air Force Base, California. The active shooter training took place at the installation’s newly constructed Emergency Responder Urban Training Site. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Charles Rivezzo)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Urban training site provides realistic training for defenders

Airmen assigned to the 60th Security Forces Squadron exit a structure after clearing the building during an active shooter training event April 13, 2016, at Travis Air Force Base, California. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Charles Rivezzo)

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Urban training site provides realistic training for defenders

Published April 14, 2016
By Staff Sgt. Charles Rivezzo
60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Approximately two dozen Travis Defenders completed their annual active shooter certification training April 13 at the installation's newly constructed Emergency Responder Urban Training Site.

Donned in tactical gear and face protection, Airmen from the 60th Security Forces Squadron underwent multiple scenarios featuring different active shooter engagements.

"Today was about honing the skill-sets needed when responding to active shooter type scenario," said James Frazier, 60th Security Forces Squadron instructor. "We want to ensure we are employing a realistic training environment and the use of the new urban training site provides us with that type of flexibility."

Made out of fabricated shipping containers, the ERUTS is intended to provide emergency responders with a wide variety of layouts and the capability to conduct full-scale scenarios, away from the main base, that can incorporate nearly any training scenario. The site features one- and two-story buildings with windows, breachable doors, balconies and staircases.

"Prior to the opening of this site we couldn't train on the tactics that we needed to be trained on," Frazier said. "Things like coming under cross fire situations and the opportunity for fratricide happen in real life. Our Airmen are now able to experience those situations and be better prepared for a real world scenario."

The training consisted of three separate scenarios that featured single and multiple shooters at a time. They also had to properly identify, secure, and protect several "bystanders" who moved throughout the buildings.

In addition to the facility's use by Travis emergency responders, the overarching goal of the training site is for local and federal law enforcement agencies to have the opportunity to use the site, train together and integrate operations.

That was on display as members from the Santa Rosa Police Department were on hand to watch the training unfold.

Squadron officials stated that the site is a force enabler and will foster a synergy of continuity among the emergency response community from both military and civilian agencies.