There were a variety of challenges thrown at Team Edwards during the U.S. Northern Command directed exercise, Ardent Sentry 2012, which began May 2 and wrapped up May 9.
Team Edwards was tested on the installation’s ability to handle numerous incidents occurring simultaneously.
Moulage kits were used in preparation for the active shooter response scenario May 2, during the installation exercise, Ardent Sentry 2012. The moulage kits add a dimension of realism during the exercise for the first responders.
According to Frank Sporer, Installation Exercise Evaluation Team chief, the base was tested on responses to a number of incidents including an explosive package, a fire and an active shooter scenario. Additionally, the exercise challenged Team Edwards to relocate the 416th Flight Test Squadron.
The exercise served as the Air Force Material Command’s command-wide, Command and Control exercise. It tested AFMC’s ability to support tasks handed down from USNORTHCOM, as well as the Command and Control of AFMC forces.Key players in Ardent Sentry 2012 included the Exercise Evaluation Team, as well as first responder capabilities including 95th Security Forces Squadron, fire, medical, biohazard, and the 95th Civil Engineering Division’ Explosive Ordinance Disposal team.
“I am extremely impressed by the effort that the EET put into making realistic scenarios for the installation to respond to and ultimately, how well the installation forces responded to those scenarios,” said Sporer.Throughout the week-long exercise, members of the Exercise Evaluation Team worked diligently to create realistic scenarios to challenge Team Edwards and test the installation’s responses.”Edwards Air Force Base has performed above expectations, as they followed directives from Higher Headquarters and responded accordingly. The installation commander, Col. Schwab, can rest easy knowing that if something ever were to happen, his forces will respond appropriately,” said Sporer.
A member of the Edwards Air Force Base Exercise Evaluation Team looks on during the 95th Security Forces Squadron’s response to an active shooter scenario during the week-long USNORTHCOM directed exercise, Ardent Sentry 2012.
