Realities of Active Shooter Training: A Soldier's Perspective

Beyond the Hype: Understanding the True Complexity of Active Shooter Situations

When it comes to preparing for an active shooter situation, many companies, especially those in security-focused industries, might opt for active shooter training. However, it's not as straightforward as it seems. This article aims to provide a detailed look into the realities of such training, drawing from personal experiences and observations.

Initial Training: Identifying Different Scenarios

Before diving into the actual training, there's a considerable amount of initial desk work that covers various scenarios an individual might encounter during an active shooter situation. These scenarios were quite extensive, and many were unfamiliar to me, providing a comprehensive view from various perspectives, including dispatch, emergency medical services (EMS), and law enforcement (LE).

Field Training: Practical Simulations with Realistic Outcomes

One of the most impactful training sessions was a field exercise conducted by the neighboring county's SWAT team. This experience was not just theoretical; it provided a realistic and intense environment where participants had to make split-second decisions. The training included dividing participants into regions and simulating the arrival of initial responders. One of the most striking instances was when we were tasked to handle a single shooter in the library. What we never expected was the surprise attack from the second shooter, which led to significant casualties among our team members. Even the SWAT participants faced challenges, underlining the unpredictability of such situations.

Emotional and Psychological Impact: Learning to Pause and Check Hands

The training wasn’t just about physical prowess; it also highlighted the emotional and psychological weight of making life-or-death decisions. The experience was intense and often overwhelming. As a participant, I found myself reacting in ways I never anticipated. For instance, during the final exercise, I initially shot all three individuals without checking their hands. This reaction was common, even among experienced SWAT members, but the trainers emphasized the crucial importance of checking hands first to avoid unnecessary harm.

HKS, or Hands-Knees-Side

A significant part of the training focused on the HKS (Hands-Knees-Side) position, teaching officers to identify and neutralize threats while minimizing collateral damage. The trainer mentioned that nearly every participant, even those from SWAT units, reacted in the same way during the initial exercise, and only one didn't fire immediately, choosing to take cover and issue commands. This realization is a testament to the psychological strain these situations impose on individuals.

The Descent into Nightmares: Long-Term Psychological Effects

The training had a profound emotional impact on participants. For weeks after the exercise, I experienced vivid nightmares involving scenes of handcuffed officers or colleagues from my department in peril. The phrase “Dont just shoot; check hands” has become a mantra for me, reinforcing the importance of this training and its lasting effects.

Conclusion: Balancing Preparedness and Humanity

In conclusion, active shooter training is a critical component of preparedness, but it’s far from a fun or easy experience. The realism of the drills, combined with the potential for severe emotional repercussions, emphasizes the need for comprehensive and empathetic training programs. This experience has taught me valuable lessons about decision-making under pressure, the importance of checking hand positions, and the potential long-term psychological impacts of such scenarios. While the initial reaction might be one of hesitation or hesitation, the ultimate goal is to ensure that, in the real world, these trained responders can act decisively and strategically to protect others.