The MARE: an exercise in preparedness Published Feb. 15, 2013 By Staff Sgt. Jason McCasland 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- Team Barksdale recently participated in a major accident response exercise here Feb. 14. A MARE is used to identify how the base responds to any given situations and evaluate the different base agencies respond to the situations. Additionally the MARE also tests the base's ability to continue its normal operations during and following an incident. "The MARE challenges everyone on base to train and react like it's a real incident," said Maj. Mark Breed, 2nd Security Forces Squadron commander. "Through these exercise's we can identify any strengths or weaknesses that may need to be addressed. We can't improve anything if we don't know it's broke." The recent scenario included a multi-stage incident involving a vehicle borne improvised explosive device detonation, and an active shooter. These multi-stage exercises evaluate how the base reacts to a multi-threat situation. "A MARE provides the installation commander a means to plan and conduct realistic, integrated exercises and training for all installation personnel," said Tech. Sgt. Geoffrey Sloane, NCO in charge Wing Plans, Programs and Evaluations. Barksdale has a specific number of MAREs that we are required to perform each year; everything from mass accidents to Chemical, Biological, Radioactive, Nuclear and Explosive threats, to weather scenarios. These can drive all kinds of different responses all over the base. "Even though the different responses may cause some inconvenience to base visitors it is a necessary evil that we have to work with so that we can ultimately be prepared for the worst," said Sloane.