JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson launched Polar Force 18-1, the semiannual two week exercise, with a Mission Assurance Exercise Oct. 17, 2017.
“This exercise was an anti-terrorism force protection exercise that simulated a threat against the base,” said Stephen Spealman, Wing Inspection Team manager and Mission Assurance Exercise planner.
The exercise simulated an outside terrorist attack on the base through a series of scenarios involving a simulated bomb threat. Several units throughout the base were able to work together, including law enforcement, fire and emergency services, and explosive ordnance disposal.
“MAEs are used to ensure that we can execute responses to different incidents as effectively as possible,” Spealman said. “These exercises help us work any hiccups out of the process if a real-world event ever happens. They help us ensure the safety and security of our base by having the best-trained arctic warriors.”
During the exercise, base law enforcement responded first to the scenes involved in the scenario and worked directly with fire and emergency services who responded next. EOD was then called in to defuse the situation.
Spealman said exercises like this not only allow for training but also aid the building of relationships and communication ties.
“Exercises like this are important because it helps us train for both peacetime and contingency environments that we operate in,” said Air Force Master Sgt. Derek Keener, 673d Civil Engineer Squadron non-commissioned officer in charge of EOD quality assurance. “We train the same way internally; however, the opportunities afforded by an MAE allow us to work with other base agencies and local law enforcement officials that we don't always have the opportunity to work with.”
This MAE’s outcome will help provide vital information to leadership and continue to keep JBER as ready and trained as possible.