Kirtland AFB prepares for contingencies with exercises Published March 21, 2011 By Stefan Bocchino 377th Air Base Wing Public Affairs Kirtland Air Force Base, NM -- Airmen from Kirtland Air Force Base completed an operational readiness exercise here from March 4 to March 11. During the exercise, Airmen took part in multiple scenarios, including an active shooter, a suspicious package, a deployment and fires on base. Those training events allow Airmen to practice their response skills. These exercises are rehearsals for leadership and first responders who react to the events, and enable others on base to learn how they should respond to events in their workplace. Kirtland AFB holds regular exercises to ensure that everyone is prepared for a range of contingencies. As has been shown by recent world events, preparedness saves lives.