Check Six keeps base ready

Published April 25, 2014
By Senior Airman Hannah Landeros
379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

AL UDEID AIR BASE, Qatar -- After numerous insider attacks on service members on military installations, the U.S. Air Forces Central Command area of responsibility implemented the Check Six program to instill a self-defense culture where all Airmen are trained and mentally prepared to react to any act of violence.

The mission for the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Check Six team is to ensure all personnel know what to do in case of an active shooter or insider threat situation at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar.

Check Six raises awareness for units by providing combatives training as well as by conducting battle drill exercises to ensure Airmen are taking the proper procedures in the event of a real world situation.

"My job is to provide awareness to the base populace on how to react in a stressful situation," said Staff Sgt. Xavier Drake, 379th AEW Check Six facilitator, deployed from Altus Air Force Base, Okla., and a Washington D.C. native.

Check Six practices three options for survival against an insider threat: escape, barricade or fight.
"We teach to keep quiet and turn off lights and as a last resort to fight when there is no way to accomplish the other options," said Drake.

Check Six also provides training in self-defense, known as combatives, in case Airmen have to resort to the third option of fighting in an effort to increase their chances of survival by teaching them to use their bodies as a weapon.

"From the three options we teach, there are two possible outcomes, live or die," said Staff Sgt. Tammy Cassidy, 379th AEW Check Six facilitator, deployed from Altus Air Force Base, Okla., and a Woonsocket, R.I., native.

Check six also ensures units at AUAB have a plan to include, how to properly barricade oneself, rally points for accountability and what to do when Security Forces arrives on scene, explained Drake.

"You only have one chance to get it right," said Cassidy. "There are no reset buttons, time outs or re-do's when it comes to an active shooter. You have to make your decision and stick with it."

"Our training isn't only beneficial to the military environment but to your everyday life," said Drake. "Attacks can happen anywhere, anytime and to anyone. It's important to stay vigilant."

The combatives class is offered four times a week at the Coalition Compound gymnasium on Mondays and Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. and Wednesday and Friday nights from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The course is available to all service members, and upon completion of the two day course, graduates receive a certificate.