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Blackanthem Military News
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Last Updated:
Mar 18, 2010 - 5:39:57 PM |
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Blackanthem Military News
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| Spc. Melissa Rodriguez, from the El Paso-based 606th Military Police Company, makes an arrest on a fellow MP student during a disorderly conduct scenario. (Photo by Master Sgt. Brenda Benner, Texas Military Forces Public Affairs) |
CAMP MABRY, Texas - Recently there were numerous arrests on post for driving while intoxicated, reckless speeding, disorderly conduct, assault and battery and even domestic violence. The handcuffs were very real, but fortunately for the troubled Soldiers involved, the arrests were merely role play for Phase I Military Police (MP) students attending the 136th Regiment (Combat Arms) Texas Regional Training Institute (TX-RTI) during August.
Since 2007, the 1st Battalion (Combat Arms) of the 136th RTI has offered two phases of training for Soldiers reclassifying as MPs as part of the One Army School System. Each phase is two weeks in duration, with Phase II conducted at Camp Bowie. The 1st Battalion also offers courses in three other critical branches including Armor, Infantry and Artillery.
Battalion Commander, Lt. Col. Barry Hafer, said managing 30 different annual training sessions has his small team of non-commissioned officers dealing with a moving jigsaw puzzle every single day.
"Our instructors often go to where the mobilizing troops are located," said Hafer. "We're teaching six different classes all over Texas during August alone. There's so much going on because our battalion is a very significant and growing organization."
MP Phase I Course Manager Staff Sgt. William Henry said the recent expansion of MP slots in the Texas Army National Guard from merely one MP company to an entire MP battalion has increased the 1st Battalion's training tempo.
"MPs are the current force of choice and the most deployable," explained Henry. "Most of them can expect to deploy in the next one to two years. They are used for installation security, detainee operations, convoy security and route reconnaissance."
During Camp Mabry's Phase I, MP instructors guided their 21 students with classes in military law, search and seizures, Miranda rights and hands-on instruction sessions with their radios, metal handcuffs, rubber training batons and rubber pistols.
Many Soldiers in the reclassification course are new to the Texas Army National Guard because of their previous experiences in other military branches of service. Several members enrolled in the reclassification course were from other states' National Guard organizations such as Indiana.
Spc. Kevin Denner, a new member of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 72nd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 36th Infantry Division, has previous experience with law enforcement and search and rescue missions with the Coast Guard. He said performing installation security on land is much different than security on boats.
"I'll have a lot more responsibility as an Army military policeman," said Denner, who deploys to Iraq before the end of the year. "They perform many functions and fulfill a vital role during overseas missions."
Prior Navy aviation "plane handler" Spc. Beatriz Garza, from Tyler-based Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 136th Military Police Battalion, 136th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, said the repeated role playing has taught her many techniques regarding take-down moves and the use of the baton.
"I'll have situations when others are bigger and stronger than me," said Garza, who is five-foot, four inches tall and only 109 pounds. "I'm learning about riot control, self defense, blocking against baton strikes and what to do when we are out numbered. I'm becoming more assertive and using my big girl voice."
Henry said potential MPs should have good interpersonal skills and the ability to remain calm under stress to keep situations from escalating.
"Someone with good people skills can often be more effective than someone who is six-foot, eight inches," emphasized Henry.
Just as it is in the civilian sector, it takes a committed, confident and brave Soldier to join the ranks of law enforcement. Having the willingness to face unknown dangers in a multitude of different situations at any time and any place is not for the faint-hearted or the meek.
Sgt. 1st Class Brian Spires, who pulls double-duty as the 136th RTI readiness non-commissioned officer and also the MP branch chief, said being an MP requires Soldiers who can think on their feet in rapidly changing situations.
"We have only a split-second to make a decision whether or not to use deadly force."
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS:
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| Military police students Sgt. Timothy Kimbrell, left, and Spc. Melissa Rodriguez, apprehend fellow MP students during a disorderly conduct scenario. (Photo by Master Sgt. Brenda Benner, Texas Military Forces Public Affairs) |
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| Military police student Cpl. Timothy Ringer, 1st Battalion, 133rd Field Artillery Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, identifies possible places for hiding drugs in a pick-up truck. (Photo by Master Sgt. Brenda Benner, Texas Military Forces Public Affairs) |
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