Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island conducted an anti-terrorism/force protection exercise Feb. 2, 2017.
The exercise simulated an active shooter and hostage situation and was designed to test various aspects of the depot’s emergency response capabilities.
During the exercise, Marine Corps law enforcement officers responded to the All-Weather Training Facility after an active shooter entered and shot into a crowd of family day attendees before taking hostages in a closed room.
Members of Parris Island’s Fire and Emergency Services also responded to provide medical triage and care and exercise their interoperability with their law enforcement counterparts.
After the exercise, officials will review the lessons learned and apply any necessary changes to ensure Parris Island is as safe as possible.
“That’s why we train,” said Michael Keller, the Parris Island Fire Department’s assistant fire chief of operations and on-scene incident commander during the exercise, “so that when the tragic and unexpected happen on base, we’re ready.”