Members of the 4th Security Forces Squadron Emergency Services Team (EST) enter a room during exercise Orbit Comet, at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, 2011.
ESTs are small teams trained for a similar role as civilian law enforcement special weapons and tactics (SWAT) teams.
Drawn from a base's existing Security Forces Squadron, the EST is a tactical team which is trained and equipped to resolve high risk situations that occur at their assign Air Force base.
The 4th SFS established its EST in 2011.
Prior to establishing its own organic capablity, Symour Johnson AFB would have had to rely solely on local civilian SWAT teams to come in to resolve a crisis situation.