Active-Shooter Drills Key to Fast Response
Five soldiers were shot Wednesday at Fort Stewart, Georgia’s largest Army base, but thanks to rigorous active-shooter training, fellow soldiers quickly tackled the shooter, Sgt. Quornelius Radford, 28, preventing further casualties. Officials confirmed all injured are expected to recover.
Retired Gen. Robert Abrams, former commander of Fort Stewart’s 3rd Infantry Division, said active shooter training is an “annual requirement” focused on the base’s security forces — essentially the military’s SWAT teams. Last year’s drills included hostage rescue and involved coordination with local fire departments.
Shooter Used Personal Handgun — Motive Unknown
Radford used a personal handgun, not a military weapon. He enlisted in 2018 as a supply sergeant and has not been deployed. Authorities are investigating the motive behind the shooting. Radford also faces unrelated DUI and traffic violation charges.
Lockdown and Investigation
The base went into lockdown for about an hour before normal operations resumed. The FBI is assisting in the investigation.
Embed from Getty ImagesFort Stewart’s Security Posture and Past Shootings
Fort Stewart, home to roughly 4,200 soldiers in the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team (aka “Spartan Brigade”), has enhanced security since past shootings at U.S. military bases. The 2009 Fort Hood massacre, where 13 were killed and dozens wounded, sparked stricter protocols and annual training exercises.
