Provost Marshal Office (PMO) Marines recently conducted an active shooter training initiative at Camp Foster as a means of ensuring readiness and reliability in the event of such a scenario unfolding.
“The training we do ensures that we do not become complacent,” Cpl. Jonathan Cosgrove, a patrol supervisor with Headquarters and Support Battalion, said. “We have the ability to practice and train to stay on top of it and keep our minds sharp.”
The first half of the day consisted of a period of instruction in a classroom setting, while the remainder of the effort was practical application in which the Marines had the chance to run through an active shooter situation. Actors and training weapons helped enhance the environment to be as realistic as possible.
“We have to continuously train to maintain the Marine Corps standards as well as civilian standards to keep us accredited within our community,” Staff Sgt. Phillip Maheux, with Camp Foster and Camp Courtney PMO, said. “The role of Military Police is to be the front line and be there for the people who are unable to protect themselves, and that is what we are doing here during this training. We are continuously training because we have to keep our Marines critically thinking and sharp.”