Workforce protection is more than a number-one priority at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, especially in light of recent unfortunate events in Florida and around the country. The center’s Emergency Response Team (ERT) trains year-round to be prepared for any high-risk critical incidents that may occur on center property, which extends outside of the badged entry gates and includes the nearby Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
To keep current on their skills and knowledge, members of the ERT recently participated in their annual 88-hour Basic Tactical Operator Course.
“This course is mandatory for all newly assigned or hired SWAT officers, and is open to law enforcement and military personnel from outside agencies,” said William Young, ERT commander and assistant chief of operations.
In addition to four newly hired Kennedy ERT officers, personnel from five outside agencies in Florida participated in the 88 hours of concentrated training exercises, including SWAT team members from the Cocoa, Sarasota and Sebastian police departments, Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission Special Operations Group, and Patrick Air Force Base ERT.
The training was coordinated and instructed by experienced SWAT/ERT officers from the Kennedy Team. It covered basic and advanced tactics, techniques and principles related to a SWAT Operator’s mission, including firearms training, building entry, active shooter response, and response to hostage/barricade situations.
Participants trained at the center’s NASA Protective Services Training Facility, where obstacle courses and building structures provided a challenging environment for them to train and enhance their skills necessary to be prepared for any threat.
Members of Kennedy’s ERT also participate in the SWAT Roundup International, held each year in Orlando. The Roundup competition is open to law enforcement and military SWAT teams from around the world. During the 2017 Roundup, Kennedy placed fifth among the 55 teams participating, which included 46 teams from the U.S. and nine international teams.
“SWAT Roundup is very challenging and competitive for the team as well as for the individual officers, and finishing in the top 10 percent of teams is definitely rewarding,” Young said.
Preparing for the Roundup includes physical training for strength, speed and stamina, proficiency with multiple weapons systems, rope/rappel training, and obstacle course training.
The competition includes five events that simulate real-life critical incidents that SWAT teams may encounter. These events include hostage rescue/barricade situations and officer/citizen down rescue operations. They require high levels of physical fitness and proficiency with all firearms and weapons systems; positive target identification and use-of-force decision-making; and a thorough understanding of SWAT tactics and principles.
“The biggest payoff for us is the relationships we build and reinforce each year with the other teams,” Young said. “The training sessions and time we spend with the other teams, especially those within our region, help us to evolve and improve, and to facilitate the integration of multiple teams and agencies when responding to potential large-scale critical incidents.”
With the increasing threats currently faced by law enforcement, Young said there’s nothing more important than continual evaluation and improvement of ERT capabilities and collaboration with partner agencies to protect the center and its workforce.
“At Kennedy, we don’t train just for competition, we train for real-life situations,” Young said.