MARINE CORPS AIR STATION FUTENMA, OKINAWA, Japan -- From March 27 to April 3, 2024, U.S. Marines with the Provost Marshal’s Office, Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Installations Pacific, and various units across Marine Corps Air Station Futenma participated in base defense training during Resolute Response, a two-week training exercise that tested base defenses through the enhanced response of the MCAS Futenma Emergency Operations Center.
An EOC provides the commanding officer with single-point command and control of installation facilities, resources, and support functions during an emergency to maintain situational awareness and support timely decision-making.
“The objective of Resolute Response is to rehearse actions that involve increasing force protection measures and training the security forces that we have on the station,” said Lt. Col. Jeremy Siegel, executive officer of Marine Corps Air Station Futenma. “Its primary focus is on the basics, in order to increase readiness across all functions of the air station.”
Stepping into the role of security augmented forces, Marines provided additional personnel who would help increase forces in real-world situations. They trained to respond to conflicts that would threaten the safety of those working or living on the installations. During this exercise, SAF Marines acted as the first line of defense while patrolling or standing guard. Portions of the exercise were sustained 24/7, not only in the EOC, but also in airfield operations, testing the EOC’s command and control capabilities.
“We started off very slow and then gradually built in intensity and complexity,” said Col. William C. Pacatte, commanding officer of MCAS Futenma. “The other aspect that we employed was leadership. Those of us who are experienced on the staff lead from the front to ensure everybody stays engaged and focused on tasks.”
The exercise included a gate protest to test Marines on the appropriate action to individuals who attempted to trespass into the air station. They responded with the proper force to defuse the situation and detain individuals who trespassed onto the base.
Marines also responded to a search and seizure, where a driver attempting to enter a base presented a fake identification card. This prompted PMO and SAF Marines to direct the visitor to pull over so they could search his vehicle and question him. Finding contraband in his car, they detained the suspect and held him in custody for what would be further investigation in a real-world scenario.
Resolute Response also encompassed situations where trespassers had gained access or breached the security of the air station.
One security breach scenario began with trespassers driving through the gate entrance and reaching MCAS Futenma’s flight line. Marines with PMO chased and stopped the vehicle by using the appropriate force to keep all occupants from causing further damage to the base and its operations.
Resolute Response was also a joint exercise, including U.S. Army soldiers with 1st Battalion, 1st Air Defense Artillery Regiment, who acted as SAF for a simulated operation zone. Using proper security tactics and well-organized plans, they stopped any unauthorized personnel from infiltrating the area.
SAF Marines, on the lookout for threats to the installation, suspected a driver parked suspiciously in their vehicle. Upon further investigation, they called Marines with PMO to the scene and detained the occupants of the vehicle. Marines looking out for the safety of the installation must keep in mind any out-of-place behavior that could pose a threat to those they are charged to protect, and practicing this in any context helps them train a watchful eye in any and all situations.
Another scenario presented by Resolute Response was an active shooter inside one of the air station’s facilities. Marines with PMO advanced to a building being used for the exercise and responded to the simulated active shooter holding one hostage. The Marines tactically entered the building, breached the room, and directed the shooter to lay down his weapon. When the shooter did not comply, they neutralized the threat and provided medical aid to the wounded casualty.
“We use this as an opportunity to conduct a lot of teaching and mentoring of the staff. Over the past week, we’ve discussed certain courses of action we would take and things to think about throughout the exercise, but the level of learning and the distance we’ve come from day one to day seven has been extremely significant,” said Pacatte. “Resolute Response has been an amazing work of effort and progress, and I couldn't be happier with how it turned out and the outcomes we've pulled from it. With the after-action items we have learned this year and the progress we've established, we will continue to build over next year's exercise, and I'm looking forward to that one.”