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Photo Information

Lance Cpl. Ashley Mizrahi, left, holds Lance Cpl. Adrianne M. Rivera hostage at knifepoint in a suspicious person simulation as part of exersise Active Shield 2011 here Monday. Mizrahi played the role of a foreign national who scaled the fence and wasspotted by Provost Marshal’s::r::::n::Office personnel near Combat Logistics Company::r::::n::36. Upon being approached by PMO, Mizrahi grabbed Rivera and forced her around a corner before being subdued by PMO. Mizrahiwas taken to the PMO holdingarea for interrogation.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Kenneth K, Trotter Jr.

Marines respond to hostage situation

3 Mar 2011 | Lance Cpl. Kenneth K. Trotter Jr. Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan

Marines of the Provost Marshal’s Office and Criminal Investigation Divison kicked off the start of exercise Active Shield 2011 by taking part in a simulated exercise Feb 27.

The scenario involved a suspicious suspect scaling the fence near the front entrance and making her way down to the fuel station. The suspect, portrayed by Lance Cpl. Ashley Mizrahi, took a hostage and brandished a knife in a threatening manner.

The suspect was meant to serve as a representative of a fictional country who was trying to gain access to the station. She concealed a flash drive within the bun of her hair along with a letter written in a foreign language.

The purpose of the scenario was to increase the force protection level of the station but also to evaluate the response time of PMO, CID and the negotiators, said 1st Lt. Mark J. Enoch, white cell officer in charge.

The call went out notifying PMO that the suspect had been spotted in the vicinity of Combat Logistics Company 36.

PMO Marines approached cautiously before drawing weapons when she brandished a knife. Simple negotiations were attempted with the suspect to determine her demands.

The suspect responded belligerently to the negotiators with her demands as she paced back and forth gripping her hostage and knife close to her.

The role-players were allowed to add more realism to the scenario and more accurately evaluate how the Marines would respond to the threat.

PMO called in backup after several attempts to calm the suspect. Backup was on hand within minutes to help deescalate the situation. Speaking over a megaphone, the CID negotiator worked to calm the suspect.

Several evaluators were also on hand to observe the responsiveness of the respective sections involved.

Gunnery Sgt. Michael K. Kropiewnicki, white cell assistant officer in charge, said he felt those involved in the scenario adapted and improvised successfully to make it as realistic as possible.

All this served as training to accomplish different Marine Corps essential task lists, said Enoch. The task lists are numerous and cover the six functions of war fighting.

The scenario also serves as a refresher in the command and also gives those involved a chance to stay sharp.

Enoch harped on the necessity to constantly improve through these types of simulations just like other Marine Corps training.

“You don’t just assume someone can swim 25 meters in deep water. You make them requalify. This is what Active Shield does for the station.”

The simulation was moved forward with a second part to evaluate interrogation after apprehension.t