What is the primary mission during an active shooter situation?

In an active shooter situation, the primary mission is to locate, close with, and fire and maneuver. This approach is critical because it emphasizes the necessity of neutralizing the threat as quickly as possible to prevent further harm to civilians. Rapid engagement with the shooter can help save lives and reduce the potential for casualties as the situation escalates.

The focus on "locate" involves identifying the shooter's position, while "close with" means getting closer to the threat to effectively assess and respond to it. "Fire and maneuver" entails being able to engage the shooter safely while also taking steps to protect oneself and others in the vicinity, which is vital in a fast-changing and dangerous environment. This method acknowledges the fact that in many instances, delaying action or waiting for backup could increase the risk to innocent lives.

While securing the area and evacuating civilians are important components of the overall response, they are not the immediate priorities when a shooter is actively engaging targets. The urgency to neutralize the shooter takes precedence to ensure the safety of everyone present. Waiting for backup could be detrimental in a situation where every second counts.