POSITION PAPER

ON
COMBATING THE ACTIVE SHOOTER THREAT
SUBJECT
1. HAF/A4S Integrated Defense Branch has recently reenergized three distinct programs to
mitigate actual and/or perceived risks for active shooter threats on USAF installations. Each
program has always been authorized for installation commanders to implement when warranted;
however, now there is formalized guidance developed by the Air Force Security Forces Center
that better articulates how they can use these types of programs more effectively. Due to the
recent public shootings and media events, there has been an increase in visibility, scrutiny, and
public awareness for active shooter response plans. AFRC/A4S in close collaboration with
AFRC Security Forces Defense Force Commanders (DFC) at each of the nine AFRC
installations have discussed the three programs highlighted in this position paper and a viable
way ahead based on the unique geography and perceived threat associated with each installation.
PROBLEM
2. "There is no single program that can eliminate the active shooter threat" Unit Marshal
Program (UMP) Concept of Operations (CONOPS), dated 4 Nov 2015.
BACKGROUND
3. The three programs available to installation commanders to combat active shooter incidents
and complement existing security measures are as follows:
a. Unit Marshal Program (UMP)
b. The Security Forces Staff Arming Program
c. Installation Commander open and/or concealed carry authorization

MSgt Gregory Gwyn/AFRC/A4SO/4-2177/gag/1 Jun 16

i. Includes the Law Enforcement Officer Safety Act (LEOSA) of 2004

authorizing SF to carry concealed on/off base and while off duty.
DISCUSSION
4. The proposed UMP better compliments REGAF based on a full time military presence to
selectively arm. Unlike our REGAF brethren, AFRC would incur the following variables; cost to
bring reservists on orders for a sustainable period of time during an increased threat, intensive
training tail (see appendix A), weapons and use of force compliance, logistics to secure and cost
to procure additional weapons and communications (see appendix B), gaps in UMP continuity
based on an as needed basis dictated by threat, and the success of a program that is largely
dependent upon choosing the right individual to make split second life or death decisions. Cost,
training, manpower, logistics and continuity are all factors that have influenced each DFC
against the UMP; in favor of the Security Forces Staff Arming Program and authorization for
concealed carry (see appendix C; data from HAF/A4S Arming Implementation Tasker dated 22
Jan 2016).
RECOMMENDATION
5. During an increased threat, whether localized or a service directed increase in Force
Protection Condition (FPCON), Security Forces fulltime support staff AGR personnel selected to
support the Security Forces Staff Arming Program would arm up with a 9mm, gather all required
communications, intel briefings, personal protective equipment (PPE) and transition from their
squadron offices to pre-designated base facilities to conduct the additional duty of a modified
Unit Marshal (UM) based on the pre-coordinated direction of the installation Integrated Defense
Working Group (IDWG) utilizing the intelligence received through the local threat and risk
assessment. AFRC BOS installations already have a dedicated support staff of full-time AGR
MSgt Gregory Gwyn/AFRC/A4SO/4-2177/gag/1 Jun 16

members that specialize in such areas as Resources Protection, Quality Control, Training, Police
Services, and Integrated Defense. These AGR members are already fully trained in active
shooter based scenarios, weapons qualified, trained in use of force, shoot/dont shoot scenarios
and readily able to arm up and receive portable communications within minutes. The Security
Forces Staff Arming Program would complement and act as a force multiplier to other initiatives
such as open/concealed carry, enhanced random anti-terrorism measures (RAMS) in the form of
more frequent and sporadic Security Forces presence conducting interior and exterior building
checks, additional cypher locks to frequently visited/high traffic areas, more intensive and
frequent active shooter incident response (ASIR) training exercises for full time employees,
UMP and/or video surveillance signage placed in parking areas and at entry/exit doors as a visual
deterrent. As previously stated, there is no single program to eliminate the active shooter threat.
The Unit Marshal Program can only be completely successful at an AFRC installation if there is
a dedicated fulltime civilian or Air Reserve Technician funded and authorized to carry concealed
in each facility that also meets the before mentioned training requirements and adheres to the
personal and professional obligations governing concealed carry. After several meetings with
each of the nine Security Forces DFCs and their respective integrated defense subject matter
experts, its apparent that most prefer the combination of LEOSA concealed carry and the
Security Forces Staff Arming Program to complement existing security practices and enhance the
one variable that base personnel have on their side when combating the active shooter threat; the
element of variance and surprise of those who possess an equal means to expeditiously thwart an
active shooter threat.
Appendix A Basic UM Training Requirements
Understand and Apply Use of Force (8.5 hours)
Arming and Use of Force (4.5 hours, foundational volume 3)
Active Shooter Tactical Response (2 hours, foundational volume 7)
MSgt Gregory Gwyn/AFRC/A4SO/4-2177/gag/1 Jun 16

Legal Authorities and Restrictions (2 hours, law & order volume 4)

Weapons Retention (Note: included in combative training)
Key Coordination Efforts (3 hours/foundational and locally developed training)
Communication (2 hours, foundational skills volume 2)
Coordination with BDOC (.5 hours, developed locally)
Actions upon Security Forces/Law Enforcement response (2 hours, developed locally)
Weapons Qualification and Proficiency (10 hours) (IAW AFI 36-2226/CAT A)
Scenario Based Firing: shoot, no shoot/FATS option (IAW AFI-31-117, para 2.5.1.2.)
Semi-Annual Wing Level Active Shooter Response Exercises (2 Hours, developed
locally)
Self-Aid and Buddy Care (SABC) within last 12 months; bring certificate to UMP
training
Appendix B Weapons, Ammo, Equipment
M-9 Pistol with two 15 round magazines (mandatory)
30 rounds hollow point ammunition (mandatory where authorized)
AF-approved government issued holster (mandatory) - Wing procured with SF UPM
guidance
Body armor/ballistic vest (optional)- Wing procured with SF UPM guidance
Portable handheld radio (if radio is not allowed in work center, must have secondary
method to communicate with BDOC)
Approved firearms storage safe/locker
Clearing barrel with posted clearing procedures
2,000 rounds of 9mm training ammunition per year calendar year
Appendix C DFC Response (22 Jan 2016)
Installation / Program

LEOSA
Carry

SF Staff
Arming

UMP

Dobbins ARB, GA
Grissom ARB, IN
Homestead ARB, FL
March ARB, CA
Minneapolis ARS, MN
Niagara ARS, NY
Pittsburg ARS, PA
Youngstown ARS, OH
Westover ARB, MA

No
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
No
No
Yes

Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes

No
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No

References:

MSgt Gregory Gwyn/AFRC/A4SO/4-2177/gag/1 Jun 16

State
Concealed
Carry
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No

Notes/Comments

SF TRs on orders

Air Force Instruction 31-117, Arming and Use of Force by Air Force Personnel. 2 Feb 2016

DoDD 5210.56, Carrying of Firearms and the Use of Force by DoD Personnel Engaged in
Security, Law and Order, or Counterintelligence Activities. 1July 2015

Quick, Keith. Unit Marshal Program (UMP) Concept of Operations. Headquarters Air Force
Security Forces; Integrated Defense, Law & Order and MWD Division. 4 Nov 2015

MSgt Gregory Gwyn/AFRC/A4SO/4-2177/gag/1 Jun 16