MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. –The concept of combat-readiness relates to muscle memory; having a hard-wired, clear plan of action in the face of danger.

Through a Department of Homeland Security grant, the city of Houston produced a short video, informing viewers of three potentially life-saving actions that embody these concepts to survive an active-shooter attack.

Run. Hide. Fight.

“Run. Hide. Fight. Surviving an Active Shooter Incident” currently boasts more than 1 million views on YouTube.

“It may feel like just like another day at the office,” the narrator begins, as foreboding music sets the tone. “Occasionally, life feels more like an action movie than reality. Sometimes bad people, do bad things.”

Master Sgt. Eric Meek, the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing anti-terrorism force protection chief aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., advised Marines, sailors, civilian employees and family members to watch the six-minute video.

“Everybody, in all ranks [and] all billets, really needs to be aware of the threat, and how to react if they ever find themselves in one of these situations,” said Meek, an Edwardsville, Ill., native. “It is a very real threat that we face today. If you look at the history of active shooters, they are becoming more and more common.”

Kevin Kelley, the anti-terrorism force protection program manager aboard the air station, found the video and e-mailed it to those working aboard the air station, in hopes they would share it with their friends and families.

“I came across the story, watched the video and I thought it was really powerful,” said Kelley. “It’s something I thought would be critical to get out to the Marines. I think it’s the best video I’ve seen. It’s short and realistic.”

Given recent incidents at the Empire State Building (Aug. 24); in Aurora, Colo. (July 20), Fort Hood, Texas (2009); Virginia Tech [Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University] (2007) and Columbine High School, Colo. (1999) the threat of an active-shooter is all-too relevant.

March 5, 1996, scarred Marine Corps Camp Pendleton’s Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 39, when an active-shooter shot and killed the executive officer, Lt. Col. Daniel Kidd and injured commanding officer, Lt. Col. Thomas Heffner.

“It happens all too frequently,” said Kelley. “You never know when and where it’s going to happen.”

Being a force in readiness applies to being prepared and aware while on deployment and at home.

“[The ‘Run. Hide. Fight.’ video] gives you a plan to survive and you need to be able to put that plan into action at any time,” said Kelley.

“Just like we know our enemy in combat, we have to know our enemy here,” Meek added.

Kelley and Meek agree upon the importance of having situational awareness in order to react quickly in a potentially dangerous situation. Having a plan of action helps to ensure everyone is prepared for the worst case scenario at all times.

“Any action is better than no action,” Meek said. “Just as the video [plays] out: “Run. Hide. Fight.” is a real simple, easy-to-remember set of steps you can take.”

Natural instinct often leads a person to hide when shots are fired. Instead, this video encourages people to run from the sound of gunfire as a first response, if possible.

“If shots are going and you have a clear exit, your best move is to get out and take people with you,” Kelley explains. “Don’t let them hold you up. If you stay, you expose yourself to danger.”

When escape is impossible, seeking cover and concealment is next in the line of defense, Kelley continued.

“If you can’t run, the next step would be to hide,” said Kelley. “Go in your office, lock the door, put things in front to barricade it and be quiet. [Silence] your cell phone. [The shooter has] a limited amount of time in which to work before law enforcement is going to be on scene. Stay out of sight.”

Sometimes, contact with an active shooter is inevitable, Kelley explained.

“If you have nowhere else to go and he’s coming, you’ve got to fight,” said Kelley. “Fight for your life.”

Once law enforcement arrives, comply with all instructions from first responders, keep your hands visible and stay down, anti-terrorism force protection chief Master Sgt. Meek explained. Attempting to aid law enforcement may only interfere with the take-down of the shooter.

“It’s critically important that Marines, sailors, civilians [and] dependents know what to do if these events happen,” said Kelley, strongly encouraging those aboard the air station to view the video. “It doesn’t matter where it happens. It could be anywhere. You just want to have a plan of what to do. ‘Run. Hide. Fight.’ is simple to remember.”

To view the city of Houston’s video: “Run. Hide. Fight. Surviving an Active-Shooter Incident,” visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VcSwejU2D0&feature=plcp.

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