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TH
ED
RA
GO
ON
MPRA
MPRAonline.org WINTER 2016
TEAM MPRA
THE TRADITIONS CONTINUE
‘Team MPRA’ Takes First
in Division at Army Ten-Miler
The Official Magazine of the Military Police Regimental Association
Contents
MPRA
THE DRAGOON
WINTER 2016 • Vol. 26 No. 4
President
CSM (R) Dorsey Newcomb
Vice President
COL (R) Anthony Zabek
LONG BINH DAY
11
Letters
03
04
05
06
President’s Note
MP History
CID Special Agents Get Their Start
at Fort Leonard Wood
10
Military Police Honored as Best
Squad in Maine National Guard
11
The 615th MP Co. “Bloodhounds”
Sniff Out Some Unit History
12
MP Soldier Named Top Drill
Sergeant
13
‘First From Above’ Named FORSCOM’s Top MP Company
14
16
Picking Up the Pieces
18
20
Man’s Best Friend,
Crime’s Worst Enemy
CID Expands Eligibility
MP Soldier Grabs First Spot
in Line for Operation Toy Drop
28
30
The Old Guard Meets the New
31
32
Double Take
33
34
TET Offensive
36
38
40
MP Throwback History
Behind the Scenes at the MP Museum
Military Police Leaders Awarded
Order of the Marechaussee
‘Team MPRA’ Takes First in Division
at Army Ten-Miler
42
Fort Leonard Wood Military Police
Support Special Olympics
43
The MPRA Develops a Strategic
Marketing Plan
Anything but Ordinary
24
Host Nation Policing Strategies
Conference
25
Building a Better Team
RCSM (R) James Barrett
BG (R) Stephen Curry
BG (R) Rodney Johnson
RCSM (R) Charles Kirkland
National Board of Directors
RCSM (R) Jeff Butler
COL (R) Wade Dennis
CSM (R) Tony McGee
CSM (R) Roger Macon
CW3 (R) Ron Mullihan
SGM (R) Don Rose
1SG (R) Dave Ross
CSM (R) Mike True
COL (R) Charles Williams
Executive Director
Mr. Rick Harne
Executive Assistant
Ms. Beth Bellerby
Museum Representative
Mr. James Rogers
Gift Shop Manager
Mrs. Corina O’Barr
Marketing and Branding
Representative
Mrs. Erin Kaberline
Creative Director
Mrs. Stacie L. Marshall
41
22
23
2 www.MPRAonline.org
716 MP Battalion Dedicate
Classrooms During Peacekeeper
Week
th
MPRA Connection
Around the World
FOB Resolute Support MPs
Gather to Celebrate Anniversary
Desert Storm Reunion Makes Them
Brothers in Arms Again
793rd MP Battalion Association
Reunion
Following the Path to Certified,
Marketable Military Police Skills
From the Command Sergeant Major
08
26
From the Chief Warrant Officer
16
Tomorrow’s MP
From the Commandant
MP Happenings
BEST FRIEND
Senior Advisory Council
MPRA ONLINE
www.MPRAonline.org
Military Police
Regimental Assocation
P.O. Box 2182
Fort Leonard Wood, MO 65473
573-329-5317
www.MPRAonline.org
Copyright 2016 by Military Police Regimental
Assocation The Dragoon magazine. All rights
reserved. The Dragoon magazine is published
four times annually for world-wide distribution.
While efforts have been made to authenticate
all claims and guarantees offered by advertisers
in this magazine, we cannot assume liability
for any products or services advertised herein.
The publisher reserves the right to accept or
reject any advertising or editorial material. All
advertisements created by the publisher are not
considered a word made for hire and the publisher
retains the copyright to all advertisements
created by the publisher for the advertiser. The
advertisements may not be reproduced without
written permission of the publisher.
FROM THE
EDITOR
T
he MPRA Dragoon features
information
from the MPRA
Community, news
from the Home of
the Regiment at Fort Leonard Wood,
historical accounts, and stories from
all components (Active Duty, National
Guard and Reserve), as well as Retired
Military Police from around the world.
The overall goal of the Dragoon is to
be current on the HOOAH events
taking place within our ranks and,
in turn, be a direct reflection of the
Regiment as a whole. We encourage
articles and photographs by and about
Soldiers of all ranks, Military Spouses
and Families, DA Civilians, and other
Friends of the Regiment. Articles and
photograph submissions should be
Military Police-related and may include
human interest, military operations and
exercises, history, personal viewpoints
and other areas of general interest.
All articles accepted for publication
are subject to editing. We welcome
your ideas and suggestions for future
publications and we look forward to
hearing from you! The MPRA Dragoon
would like to thank those who have
contributed to the success of this
publication. We are unable to do this
without your assistance, contributions,
and continued support.
Respectfully,
Beth Bellerby
[email protected]
MISSION
Promote the history and preserve the
traditions of the Military Police Corps
Regiment while supporting Military
Police Leadership, Soldiers and families
Army wide.
VISION
The premier Military Police
professional organization which is fully
aligned with the Army and Military
Police Corps visions and recognized
as relevant by Military Police Leaders,
Soldiers and families throughout the
Regiment.
VALUES
Mutual Respect
Pride in Heritage
Responsible Service
Always Relevant
President’s
O
NOTE
n behalf of our 5,704
members and our National
Board of Directors I would
like to welcome you to our
winter 2016 edition of The Dragoon
magazine. As we embark on the 75th
year of our Regiment’s storied history we
can proudly reflect on our association’s
place in this very significant milestone.
We have proudly earned our reputation
as the premier Military Police
professional organization by supporting
Military Police Leaders, Soldiers and
Families around the world. Our success
as an association over the years is
certainly attributed to the support of
our Military Police leadership across
the Army, our Members, our countless
volunteers, our Senior Advisory Council,
our National Board of Directors and our
handful of highly dedicated and efficient
paid staff members.
In the spirit of recognizing volunteer
service we would like to congratulate
and thank Colonel Retired Wade
Dennis, Command Sergeant Major
Retired Roger Macon, Chief Warrant
Officer Retired Ron Mullihan and First
Sergeant Retired Dave Ross as they
join our National Board of Directors.
These four volunteers represent a very
diverse set of experiences and skills that
will benefit our association greatly as
we aggressively pursue our goals and
maintain our relevance in the coming
years.
During 2015, we increased individual
and lifetime memberships, improved
overall member benefits, supported the
establishment of the Regimental Room
in the MP Museum complex, continued
our work in the world class MP Memorial
Grove, reorganized our National Board
of Directors, established a new and
improved organizational website and
undertook the task of improving brand
recognition of the MPRA. We continued
to resource our Benevolent Fund and
Scholarship programs and receive
consistent feedback from the field that
these programs are of great benefit to
Soldiers and their Families. In 2016 we
will continue working to achieve our
membership goal of 10,000, expand our
scholarship offerings, create a regional
organizational structure, establish
linkage with other Law Enforcement
professional organizations and complete
the capitalization of the Memorial
Grove project. The grove capitalization
will culminate with the emplacement
of the mounted Dragoon statue as the
final piece of this historical project in
conjunction with the 75th Anniversary.
Our marketing strategy development
project is making great progress and
is expected to be complete in early
2016. Our overall goal will be to grow
and strengthen the Association.
Our committee is being led by an
awesome Army spouse. Erin Kaberline
has graciously volunteered her vast
knowledge and expertise in helping us
improve the branding and marketing
of MPRA. Last year we received almost
800 responses to the marketing survey
that we dispatched to the field as part
of this effort. We thank everyone who
responded to the survey as your insights
are invaluable. We always welcome
additional feedback from those of you in
the field with suggestions on how we can
continue to improve our organization
and remain relevant.
We ask for your continued support in
promoting our Association and thereby
growing our membership base. We want
our 75th anniversary to see our greatest
surge in membership growth. We ask
you to tell MP Leaders, Soldiers and
Families about our programs and the
benefits of being a member of MPRA.
We hope that you are proud of your
membership in our Association that has
a proven track record of giving back to
MP Soldiers and Families.
We challenge each of you to help your
units (past or present) celebrate our 75th
anniversary by sponsoring a Soldier and
purchasing them an MPRA membership.
Dorsey L. Newcomb
Command Sergeant Major (Retired),
President, MPRA National Board of
Directors
www.MPRAonline.org 3
FROM THE COMMANDANT
Happy New Year
irst, let me say Happy New Year to the Military Police Corps Regiment
and I want to thank you for your service to our Army and Nation. I am
proud and honored to serve this Regiment as your Commandant. I have
no doubt that the Regiment- our Active Duty, Reserve Component, National
Guard and DA Civilians will be READY to meet the demands of the Army in the
future.
Over the past several months, I have traveled and observed the tremendous
performance of our Soldiers and DA Civilians. I was able to witness Policing,
Criminal Investigations and Corrections, and receive feedback from senior
mission commanders confirming the critical, unique skills and capabilities we
provide across the range of military operations. The role we play in the protection of our military installations and the preservation of our force is evident.
Although some were able to enjoy this festive season, we could not forget
our Military Police Soldiers who are deployed and their Families who await
their safe return. Let us also
remember those who have
paid the ultimate sacrifice and
We have many
their Families who continue to
remember their legacy. To our
spectacular events
Soldiers who are busy protecting our military installations
planned for the 2016
F
Regimental Week and
I hope to share that
time with all of you.
through proactive policing,
conducting criminal investigations, and performing corrections in our correctional facilities, I hope you took the time to recharge your batteries, spend
time with family, and savor the flexible work schedules afforded to you…you
deserve it.
2016 will be a year of celebration and reflection. The Military Police Regiment will celebrate our 75th anniversary during September 2016. We hope
you will mark your calendars and make plans to join us at the home of the
Regiment for this celebration. We have many spectacular events planned for
the 2016 Regimental Week and I hope to share that time with all of you.
Happy New Year to you and your Families! Thank you for your contribution to our Regiment, Army and Nation.
Respectfully,
BG Kevin Vereen, Chief,
Military Police Corps Regiment & Commandant,
U.S. Army Military Police School
ASSIST, PROTECT and DEFEND
FROM THE REGIMENTAL COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR
Greetings from the U.S. Army
Military Police School
am often reminded of the
sacrifices and hardships we, as
Soldiers, our Families, and the
Civilians workforce, bear being away
from home while serving our great nation. Fortunately for us our OPTEMPO has slightly decreased which will
allow more of our families to be home
together rather than deployed.
One constant within our Regiment
is the desire to serve. Whether it be
at home or abroad, Military Police
Soldiers have always been willing to
step forward and help others in need.
No one supports our communities
and installations better than Military
Police Soldiers and their families. Our
support to events such as National
Night Out, the Special Olympics, and
providing extra support during special
events such as Halloween are always
highly recognized.
I recently attended a TRADOC
workshop where one of the focuses was creating a common career development model for all career management fields. One of the areas on the proposed model was
“stewardship of the profession” with specific emphasis
on “promote the profession through community involvement, speaking engagements, professional writing, and
volunteerism.” That evening I thought more and more
about this being on the career map and am convinced
that it is a great addition. “We as Soldiers, are America
and selfless service is in our blood.” Most of us have spent
our share of holidays deployed and now with more of us
home we have the ability to serve our homeland particularly in our communities where sometimes it is needed
the most.
The nation is well aware of our service when deployed
but often doesn’t see what we can do when we are home.
The holidays give us ample opportunity to extend our
service/support to assist our communities and to give
back to those who supported us and our families while we
were deployed.
I
I would ask that Soldiers and
units seek out opportunities to
support your communities not just
during the holidays but year round.
This not only benefits the communities but our profession in so many
ways. It builds esprit de corps
within units, solidifies our bonds
(and creates new ones) within our
communities, motivates others to
volunteer, fosters selfless service,
develops leaders, and enhances
character development. Sergeant
Major of the Army Dailey recently
told a group of senior Noncommissioned Officers “to build the Army
billboard through our interactions
with our civilian communities.”
Our volunteerism allows us to tell
the Army story through positive
interaction.
A merica needs leadership,
and there are none better than
our outstanding Military Police Soldiers to provide that
leadership on our installations and surrounding communities. One of the tenants of the Military Police Code of
Ethics is “I will promote by personal example, the highest standards of Soldiering, stressing performance and
professionalism.” Now it may be hard to gauge how well
one does on the “stewardship of the profession” portion of
the career development model but I agree that it is something we should all consider in our pursuit of professional
Soldiering.
Thank you for your continued service and I am very
proud of everything you do! Please take time to remember those who continue to Assist, Protect and Defend
around the world each and every day!
CSM Richard Woodring,
Regimental Command Sergeant Major
FROM THE REGIMENTAL CHIEF WARRANT OFFICER
Broadening Experiences Drive
Professionalism and Relationships
rofessionals have common traits that can be found in individuals who have commitment, character, and are competent.
It is competency through experiential learning and broadening assignments that is the focus of this article. I think it goes without
saying that the knowledge required to be viewed as policing professionals at each level of MP organizational structure (i.e., platoon,
company, battalion, and brigade) can’t be provided in its entirety at
the USAMPS. Since broadening assignments are managed by Human Resource Command (HRC), only a few officers per year are given
an opportunity to participate. The National Capital Region (NCR)
provides opportunities for our Warrant Officers, but at this time no
official or unofficial broadening assignments are provided for NCOs.
In today’s fiscally constrained environment, we have to think
outside the box to gain quality experiential learning and broadening opportunities. Many opportunities can be found on our camps,
posts and stations, with the only cost being time and effort. At most
major installations, our military police organizations conduct the full
spectrum of MP Disciplines (Security and Mobility Support, Police
Operations, and Detention Operations). I think that we are missing
out on great opportunities for broadening experiences at our major
installations across the United States. We have the ability to expose
commissioned officers and noncommissioned officers to Provost
Marshal Operations, CID Investigative organizations, and detention operations
without regard for the unit in which they are assigned. At the installation level, we
could execute mini internships (1-4 months) to give MP Officers and NCO exposure
With a better
to the other MP organizations that make up the Military Police Corps Regiment.
This can further be reinforced with Officer Professional Development (OPD) and
understanding of
Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development (NCOPD) attended by memothers organization
bers from all MP organizations with the sponsor unit being rotated between the MP
organizations. I encourage you to have MP organizational days that include all MP
and mission, we
organizations on the installation so that every opportunity is presented to build recould possibly
lationships and foster understanding of others missions and responsibilities. With
a better understanding of others organization and mission, we could possibly retain
retain quality
quality Soldiers by moving them between the organizations within the MP career
Soldiers by moving
management field. In some locations, the opportunities mentioned above are
happening, but they are not institutionalized. This has to be accepted as a Tactics,
them between
Technique, and Procedures (TTP) by MP leadership and promoted at all levels. In
the organizations
this era of financial constraint, professional development through local internships
and broadening experiences at little cost will help to foster better working relationwithin the MP
ships and understanding at the installation level and across the MP Corps Regicareer management
ment. It will cost time and effort, but it is the right thing to do for Soldiers and the
Military Police Corps Regiment.
field.
Of the Troops, For the Troops!
P
CW5 Leroy Shamburger, Regimental Chief Warrant Officer
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MP HAPPENINGS
CID Special Agents Get Their Start
at Fort Leonard Wood
T
he U.S. Army’s version of crime scene
investigators get their start at Fort
Leonard Wood attending the U.S.
Army Military Police School.
It takes 15 weeks to earn the title of
criminal investigations special agent
(historically called CID agents) for select
Soldiers who are specialized in crime-scene
investigation, evidence gathering and laws
of the science.
The CID Special Agent Course syllabus
covers law, code to include the Uniform
Code of Military Justice, unarmed selfdefense, subject apprehension, firearms
training and qualification, crime-scene
processing and drugs and weapons undercover operations.
Students participate in a rite of passage
ceremony where they graduate, according
to Sgt. 1st Class Matthew Hickman, CIDSAC
course manager, who said, on average, about
200 Soldiers annually graduate from the
course accredited by the Federal Law Enforcement Training Accreditation program.
Already holding a bachelor’s degree in
criminal justice, Spc. Catherine Link applied for the CID program and made the
transition from civilian to Soldier by completing the military police 19-week, One
Station Unit Training here.
“The more I learned about forensic science, the more I fell in love with it,” she said.
“Forensic science and helping people at the
same time is a real-life puzzle. So, if you’re
good at puzzles already, this is a dream
come true.”
“You have to have the right mindset,” the
Illinois native, said. “You have to think ‘this
is science.’ As long as you can separate your
life from what is going on, you are safe. You
can’t let the two blend.”
Following completion of the course, Link
plans to complete a yearlong apprenticeship at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
Another of the current CIDSAC students,
Sgt. Andrew Langley, came to the course
from Fort Hood, Texas, where he served as
a signals analyst. He said he’s been in military intelligence for six years, and complet-
ed a 9-month deployment to Afghanistan
as an asset to investigations from the end of
2013 to mid-2014.
Langley said it took about six months for
his CID application to be accepted, which
was short in comparison to some, since he
held the required security clearance from
his previous position.
“Investigation is about problem solving,” Langley, an Alabama native said. “I
like the idea of solving problems, getting to
the truth, and finding the facts of each case.
That’s what got me to want to put in a CID
packet.”
Spc. Christian Wilson, served for six
years with the 229th MP Company, Virginia
National Guard, where he worked security
operations and riot control, and now serves
on active duty.
“It took one year and eight months and
a lot of perseverance to get here,” Wilson,
said.
Chief Warrant Officer 4 Duane Mitchell,
USAMPS, Military Police Investigative Division chief, said, “The purpose of the course
is to provide the most current doctrine,
training and technology, and investigative
techniques available, to train our newest to
conduct investigations on serious crimes,
ranging from $5,000 larcenies to murder.
That is the meat and potatoes of what CID is
all about — safeguarding Army personnel,
assets and interests.”
Mitchell said, as part of the course curriculum, students are tested on their ability
Spc. Christian Wilson volunteers for Chief
Warrant Officer 4 Michael Klophenstein, Crime
Scene Investigations branch chief, who demonstrates the proper finger printing technique to
criminal investigations special agent students.
to juggle cases, because that’s exactly
what they will have to do in the field. “We
basically see who is struggling, and help
teach them prioritization,” he said. “We’re
producing a self-sufficient agent who can
figure things out on their own, which is the
way it should be.”
Mitchell, with a 30-year background
in criminal investigations, emphasized,
“Agents are taught to do the right thing, the
right way, the first time. Once you burn a
bridge, it’s over with.”
Currently, members of the U.S. Marine
Corps are eligible to attend the course, and
Mitchell said it is important to include other
services in the training.
“That way, we’re all speaking the same language and using the same protocols,” he said.
Mitchell said CIDSAC is just the beginning to a career as a 31D.
“This is basic level training. There are so
many other courses to further their investigative capabilities. We touch upon these
topics in the basic course so they are aware.”
Hickman said the prerequisites and
process to become a CID Special Agent can
be found online at www.cid.army.mil.
Story and photos by Marti Yoshida
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Military Police Honored as
Best Squad in Maine National Guard
B
angor, Maine — Eleven squads from
the Maine Army National Guard
competed in a best squad competition at the Bangor Armed Forces Reserve
Center Sept. 12, 2015.
The competition tested soldiers’ mental and physical warrior abilities with an
emphasis on teamwork and unit cohesion
using a 14-station, round robin style event.
The stations included weapons skills, physical fitness, first aid, communications and
land navigation skills.
The final event was a rigorous six-mile
tactical road march that took place Saturday
night proceeding the round robin stations.
“You can train any time, but it’s cool to
bring it into a competition aspect,” said
Spc. Jeffrey Shock, a combat engineer with
the 251st Engineer Company (Sappers), “It
makes you want to be on top of your game.”
The squads represented several units
from MEARNG such as The 251st Engineer
Company, Bravo Company, 3rd Battalion,
172nd Infantry Regiment, 1136th Transportation Company and the 488th Military
Police Company.
The warrior tasks and scenarios selected
were designed to provide a challenge for all
participants through the diversity of skill
sets that were evaluated. All of the stations
were scored at equal value and equal weight
throughout the competition.
Sgt. Maj. John Brooks, the noncommissioned officer in charge of the best squad
competition said, “While there may be
advantages throughout the course for some
squads we tried to pick events that are fair
for the entire organization.”
This year’s best squad competition is at
a different venue than last year allowing for
the use of live ammo and a non-traditional
Army Physical Fitness Test. Command
Sgt. Maj. Scott Doyon, the state command
sergeant major and Brooks determined the
events for the competition.
“We looked at the warrior tasks; shoot,
move, communicate to win our nations
wars and we thought these 14 tasks were the
most common to all Soldiers and they could
support our mission,” said Brooks.
Spc. Shock felt the competition had a
little bit of everything for everybody.
Ten squads from the different units and organizations in the Maine Army National Guard worked
through various warrior tasks and skills during the first ever Maine National Guard Squad Competition, held at Bog Brook Training Area in Gilead. Every squad was tested on ten tasks: knot tying, land
navigation, a medical event, an obstacle course, vehicle repair, communications, weapons proficiency, a
written exam, a tactical road march, and an Army Physical Fitness Test. The overall winner of the event
was the 251st Engineer Company, SAPPERS. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Angela Parady.)
“We’ll struggle in a couple things, other
people will struggle in a couple things, so I
think it’s really well rounded this year,” said
Shock.
Members from other units agreed with
diversity skills represented in this year’s
competition.
“It’s definitely opened our eyes to a
couple of our weak spots,” said Staff Sgt.
Chris Weymouth an Infantryman with
Bravo Company, 3rd Battalion, 172nd Infantry Regiment (Mountain), “We can take that
back to the company and suggest future
training ideas company wide.”
“It’s been a great experience,” said
Weymouth, “It’s good to work with different
faces and get to know the rest of the unit.”
Some squads knew who the members of
their squad were months in advance and
were able to prepare for the event.
Shock said they’d known for about a year
who was in their squad and they spent the
previous drill weekend practicing. Others
found out last minute and hope to train bet-
ter next year.
The event was almost scrapped due to
budget constraints. Brooks emphasized how
budget cuts shouldn’t infringe on training
soldiers.
“I felt that this is an excellent event for
each unit to come out here and compete
against each other to get to know each other,
and for esprit de corps for the Maine Army
National Guard,” said Brooks, “As a Senior
NCO I never want financial constraints to
get in the way of putting the best soldier on
the battlefield.”
This year the best squad for the state was
the 488th Military Police Company, located
in Waterville.
Sgt. Travis Smith, the squad leader of the
488th Military Police Company said, “It’s
an amazing feeling being with a group of
soldiers in a competition and finding out
what your made of.”
By Spc. Sarah Myrick
The 615 MP Co.
“Bloodhounds” Sniff
out some Unit History
th
G
rafenwoehr, Germany — Soldiers of
the 615th Military Police Company
— the Bloodhounds — have reason
to suspect something special about their
unit’s lineage.
They are authorized to wear an impressive rack of unit awards on their Army Service Uniforms and they stand in formation
behind a guidon laden with streamers.
However, until the first annual “Long
Binh Day,” many of them did not grasp the
significance of this proud legacy, nor how
relevant it remains to their own lives.
The event combined a number of physically challenging, team-oriented activities
with a presentation about the 615th’s history
from 1967 to 1973, when they were headquartered in Long Binh, Vietnam.
Soldiers learned about a Vietnam War
mission set that sounded familiar to their
own: joint law enforcement patrolling on
and off post, convoy security and a quick
reaction force during times of heightened
hostilities.
They also explored 615th participation
in operations like “Emporia,” a bloody route
security mission that ultimately earned
three Bloodhounds the Silver Star, five the
Bronze Star Medal for Valor and seven the
Purple Heart.
615th Operations NCO SFC Nicholas
Blevins also profiled several individuals
who performed acts of valor. For example,
in 1969, SSG Stephen Maxwell disarmed a
disgruntled Soldier that was attempting to
destroy himself and his commander with a
hand grenade.
SSG Eddie E. White shaking the paw of the 615th
MP Company official mascot, Andy the Bloodhound in 1971. Courtesy of SSG Eddie E. White
(1SG Ret.), 212th MP Company, 720th MP Battalion, December 1970 to November 1971.
PVT Allan Thompson of the 615th MP Company navigates an obstacle with his team
during the first annual “Long Binh Day,” held in
Grafenwoehr, Germany. PhotoS by SPC Luis
Rodriguezcolon.
After ordering all surrounding personnel
to a safe distance, SSG Maxwell disarmed
himself, slowly approached the Soldier and
succeeded in taking the device. He was able
to subdue the captive during the ensuing struggle while keeping the unpinned
grenade secure in his left hand. This feat
earned him the Soldier’s Medal.
Competitive activities during Long Binh
day included an obstacle course, a ruck
march and a timed challenge. The challenge consisted of a test on weapons proficiency and physical tasks like tire flips, litter
carries and HMMWV pushes.
“The cohesion and esprit de corps the
teams had allowed for a great day,” said
SGT Phillip Smith. “The motivation allowed
each individual to push through tough
obstacles.”
Open to family, Long Binh Day also
traced the 1967 origins of the company
mascot and provided an opportunity for
all to interact with Andy, an actual bloodhound dog.
Andy inherits the legacy of the company’s
first live mascot, obtained and transported
from the U.S. to Long Binh through the creativity and determination of a 1SG named
Alfred Sutton. The puppy grew up alongside
his fellow Bloodhounds and stayed with
them throughout their tenure in Vietnam.
The idea for Long Binh Day emerged from
an ongoing correspondence between the
current 615th command team and a former
615th commander, COL (ret.) Arnie Daxe Jr.
“We wanted to have some fun but also
highlight just how much this unit has been
through and accomplished,” said current 615th Commander CPT Christopher
Philpot. “It really puts what we do in perspective and we hope it becomes a valued
tradition.”
MP Soldier Named Top Drill Sergeant
for Consecutive Year
A CLOSER LOOK
or the second consecutive year, the Army’s Drill
Sergeant of the Year hails
from Fort Leonard Wood and
again answers to Miller. After
four days of intense competition, the Army has named Staff
Sgt. Jacob Miller of Fort Leonard Wood as this year’s Drill
Sergeant of the Year. Miller is
a member of the 14th Military
Police Brigade, 787th Military
Police Battalion. Staff Sgt.
Jonathan Miller, formerly of Fort
Leonard Wood, was the 2014 U.S.
Army Drill Sergeant of the Year.
Staff Sgt. Mark Mercer is the
Army Reserve Drill Sergeant of
the Year. Mercer is assigned to
the 95th Division, 108th Training
Command.
This year’s Advanced Individual Training Platoon Sergeant of the Year is Sgt. 1st Class
Samuel Enriquez of Joint Base San
Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, TX.
All three Soldiers were recognized Sept. 10 at an awards
ceremony at Fort Jackson, SC.
Each received the Meritorious
Service Medal. Since 1969, Fort
Leonard Wood has won the
Army’s Drill Sergeant of the Year
Competition 14 times, including
a five-year-consecutive streak of
winners from 1998 to 2002.
The Drill Sergeant and AIT
Platoon Sergeant of the Year
event is a four-day, “best-of12 www.MPRAonline.org
the-best” contest that puts
competitors through physical
and mental tests, according to
information from the Army.
Competitors must battle
fatigue, weather and surprise
events to earn the coveted titles.
They must perform and instruct
more than 50 tasks and drills, including unknown distance runs
and foot marches, rappelling,
orienteering, obstacle courses,
physical readiness training and
appearances before a board of
command sergeants major to
demonstrate their knowledge of
leadership and training tasks.
While the Drill Sergeant and
AIT Platoon Sergeant competition is similar to other competitions across the Army, this event
focuses on competitors’ ability
to teach, as their day-to-day job
requires them to effectively teach
the Army’s newest Soldiers.
This year, four active-duty
and two Army Reserve drill
sergeants competed for the Drill
Sergeant of the Year title. Eight
AIT platoon sergeants competed
this year. All were competition winners at their respective
installations or Army Reserve
divisions.
By Michelle Tan
(Editor’s note: Tan is a senior staff writer
for ArmyTimes. The article is reprinted
with permission from the ArmyTimes.)
MILLER
As Drill Sergeant of the Year, Miller will be moving to Fort Eustis,
Virginia, where he will work at the Center for Initial Military Training.
There, he’ll have a chance to provide input and help shape the way the
Army trains new Soldiers.
Miller, 30, who has been a drill sergeant since March 2013, joined
the Army in November 2006. He completed military police one-station-unit training at Fort Leonard Wood in April 2007 and has served
in MP units at Fort Carson, Colorado, Fort Wainwright, Alaska, and
Fort Leonard Wood. He’s currently working on his bachelor’s degree in
criminal justice and has deployed twice to Iraq.
His awards and decorations include an Army Commendation Medal
with Valor, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement
Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal and the Combat Action Badge.
To prepare for the competition, Miller trained hard, including lots of
foot marches, long-distance running and sprints. He also studied up on
Army drill and ceremony and all the other tasks Soldiers must know.
“We all came together, we helped each other out, pushed each
other,” he said.
His advice for those looking ahead to next year’s competition:
“Prepare for anything. You need to be fully well rounded when you
come here.”
MERCER
Mercer joined the Army in July 2002, training as an X-ray technologist. He has served primarily in Oklahoma and has deployed in support
of Operation Enduring Freedom. He is a graduate of the University
of Oklahoma, with a degree in administrative leadership. His awards
and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, the Army
Achievement Medal and the Afghanistan Campaign Medal.
The 31-year-old said he was “relieved, excited” when he learned he
had won.
“Just so many emotions wrapped up in my body right now,” he said.
“I don’t know if I’m in shock still or what’s going on. It shows that hard
work pays off.”
Mercer started training for the competition in October. In addition
to the physical training, Mercer spent three hours every night studying
every Army regulation, field manual and publication he could find.
Mercer said he’s glad for the experience. “I’ve made some good
friends here, met a lot of great people, a lot of knowledgeable people,”
he said. “It was an honor to compete against and alongside every
single person that was here this week.”
ENRIQUEZ
Enriquez, 30, is a combat medic who joined the Army in August
2002. Before his assignment as an AIT platoon sergeant at Fort Sam
Houston, Enriquez served multiple tours with the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and has served in Germany and South Korea.
His awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal,
the Army Commendation Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal,
the Expert Field Medical Badge, the Senior Parachutist Badge and the
Air Assault Badge.
Enriquez, who has been an AIT platoon sergeant since January, also
will be moving to the Center for Initial Military Training.
“I’m part of something bigger now,” he said. “I’m part of a different
level of the Army where I can make huge changes. Before, I loved it, and I
could always make change, but it was more incremental. Here I can help
make gigantic changes that could shape the future of the Army.”
In his new assignment, Enriquez will be responsible for providing
input that will shape the initial entry process, whether it’s basic training or AIT.
‘First From Above’ Named FORSCOM’s
Top Military Police Company
ORT BRAGG, N.C. (Nov. 16, 2015)
— The 21st Military Police Company (Airborne) was recognized,
today, with the U. S. Army Forces
Command (FORSCOM) “Eagle Award” for
Excellence as the command’s best military
police company for fiscal year 2015.
Established in 1974, the award recognizes the selected unit for accomplishments and achievements encompassing
every phase of activity bearing directly on
mission accomplishment.
Categories considered during the selection process include weapons qualification,
military and civilian education, training
assessments, individual and unit awards,
and unit discipline.
Standing with the unit’s formation, Gen.
Robert B. Abrams, commanding general,
FORSCOM, presented the Eagle Award
trophy to Cpt. Adam Herring, the company
commander, at the 503rd Military Police
Battalion’s headquarters.
The 21st, which is part of the 16th
Military Police Brigade, topped 79 other
military police companies in FORSCOM to
earn the award.
“I was really happy to see this is also a
company that can not only do their core
warfighting competencies as airborne
military policemen in excellence and readiness, you’re not just one trick ponies,” said
Abrams, pointing out the company’s volunteer efforts, property accountability and
high Army Physical Fitness Test scores.
“So when people say, “what does excellence look like?” I take a picture of this
company and (say) here’s what you need
to aspire to be as a unit. Because it wasn’t
just one person. It was all of you working
together that helped earn this award. So be
proud,” said Abrams.
Gesturing to the bronze eagle mounted
above a commemorative plaque, Abrams
said to the unit’s Soldiers, “I’m going to give
this trophy to the company commander
and the first sergeant, but each and every
one of you had a role to play in it -- they
couldn’t have done it without you. Congratulations to you all. Well-deserved and we’re
proud to serve with you.”
The company will now represent
FORSCOM in the Army-wide competition
for the Brigadier General Jeremiah P. Holland Award.
The 21st MP Company (Airborne), stationed with its battalion and brigade at Fort
Bragg, conducts deliberate deployment
and forcible entry operations, worldwide,
in support of designated contingencies and
performs military police functions and law
enforcement activities to provide security
for the local military community.
Story and photos by Ms. Carol R Eubanks
(FORSCOM)
Top to bottom: The FORSCOM “Eagle Award.” Gen. Robert B.
Abrams, commanding general, U.S. Army Forces Command,
presented the trophy to Capt. Adam Herring, commander, 21st
Military Police Company (Airborne), at a formation of the 503rd
Military Police Battalion, Nov. 16, 2015, at Fort Bragg, N.C. The
Eagle Award is presented annually to the top military police
company in FORSCOM, based on achievements and accomplishments during the preceding fiscal year.
Gen. Robert B. Abrams, commanding general, U.S. Army Forces
Command, presents the FORSCOM “Eagle Award” to Capt. Adam
Herring, commander, 21st Military Police Company (Airborne).
Command, addresses the 503rd Military Police Battalion.
Ceremony award bearer, Spc. Kenko J. Tamura, a military
policeman with the 503rd Military Police Battalion, passes the
“Eagle Award” to Gen. Robert B. Abrams, commanding general,
U.S. Army Forces Command (FORSCOM), as Capt. Adam Herring,
commander, 21st Military Police Company, looks on. (U.S. Army
photo by 1st Lt. Richard J. Wyatt)
Command (FORSCOM), poses with Capt. Adam Herring, commander, 21st Military Police Company, after presenting him with
the FORSCOM “Eagle Award” for the company’s recognition as
the top military police company in FORSCOM, Nov. 16, 2015, at
Fort Bragg, N.C. The Eagle Award is presented annually to the top
military police company in FORSCOM, based on achievements
and accomplishments during the preceding fiscal year. (U.S.
Army photo by 1st Lt. Richard J. Wyatt)
picking up
the Pieces
California National Guard Military
Police unit activates for fire mission
L
AKEPORT, Calif. - The California Army National Guard’s
870th Military Police Company
straddled a line while helping
Northern California communities suffering from recent wildfires.
On one side there was compassion for
families that had lost homes and valuables.
On the other was the need to enforce the
rule of law against those taking advantage
of the suffering.
Approximately 100 troops from the Pittsburg, California-based unit responded to a
“humanitarian call for help” as thousands
of Lake County residents began returning
to their homes late September. Families
in Middletown, Loch Lomond, Cobb and
nearby cities escaped the Valley Fire — one
of California’s worst wildfires in the state’s
history — after a mandatory evacuation
more than a week earlier.
“We’re in an unprecedented disaster,”
said Lake County Sheriff Brian L. Martin.
“The mission we’re tasked with doing
exceeds our capabilities. We’re a small rural
area and simply don’t have the manpower
to accomplish everything. Bringing in the
National Guard allows us to serve our communities. The National Guard is working as
force multipliers for our local agencies.”
The California Guard’s military police
took center stage, following a string of
emergency activations since early August
to assist in the battle against the Golden
State’s raging wildfires. Hand crews, air
assets, fuelers, bridge builders and other
California Guard assets had already joined
the fight. The 870th stepped forward,
serving the public as traffic controllers
at designated intersections. But troops
momentarily interacted with families as
they escorted residents back to their homes.
Some residents were briefly allowed to
return for necessities, such as obtaining
medication, feeding animals and pets, and
getting important documentation.
Sadly, some returned to nothing. The
Valley Fire consumed more than 75,000
acres quickly, and nearly 900 buildings and
homes were destroyed in a matter of days.
Troops remained compassionate to these
victims, even offering their assistance to
help find the things that were left.
“It’s hard to explain. I’ve never been on
a mission like this, but it feels good to help
them get back to their place,” added Sgt.
Michael W. Jenkins. “But to see what has
happened to them, you have mixed
emotions about it. You are happy to
help those that don’t have property
damage but need to get into their
home for pet care or other things, but
right down the road, you see their
neighbors’ houses are leveled.”
At the traffic check
points, California Guardsmen converse with returning residents, offering water
and other treats, and doing
other little things.
“This is a humanitarian service mission
and the Guard members understand that.
It’s not a military operation, it’s helping
members of our own community coming back, to help our community,” added
Martin.
Top to bottom: MPs work alongside California Highway Patrol
personnel manning roads blocked from evacuated communities.
Pictured left to right are Spc. Ashley Ecles, Spc. Lizette Guillen, Pvt.
Jacqueline Astorga, CHP Officer Rodney Pozzi, Sgt. Aman Narayan,
Spc. Don Baldoria and Spc. Ramon Figueroa.
First Lt. Keith J. Frederickson, center, coordinates with Sgt. John
Gregore, right, of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, and California
Conservation Corps attendants at the Lakeport Incident Command
Post operations center.
Members monitor vehicles entering cities of Cobb and Loch
Lomond as residents began returning to their homes.
(U.S. Army National Guard photos by Staff Sgt. Eddie Siguenza)
“
It’s shocking to see the
wreckage. It’s one thing to hear
about the loss of property,
but it’s another thing to see
the devastation in person
and to think what it would
feel like if it were me,” said
Spc. Julia A. Rutledge, of the
870th. “We have to remember
to have a softer approach,
we’re supporting the civilian
population; we’re here to help
them. With combat you have
to be more aware of your
personal safety than with a
humanitarian mission.”
“All I can say is, I’m glad the National
Guard finally got here,” said Kelseyville
resident Royce Tibbetts, a Lake County
Public Works employee who was with
California Guardsmen as they directed
traffic at the base of Cobb Mountain.
“They’re Soldiers who’ve seen the worst of
war. ... They can relate to what just happened here.”
For more than a decade, Tibbetts
worked the roads of Lake County, digging trenches, removing debris and even
cutting trees. He, too, couldn’t fathom
the Valley Fire devastation and how fast it
consumed the community.
“There’s nothing up there to return to,”
he said, pointing up the mountain. “It’s
like a tornado went through, then a massive fire. It was like the perfect storm.”
The California Department of Forestry
and Fire Prevention (CAL FIRE) ranks
the Valley Fire as one of the state’s most
destructive wildfires. In less than 10 days
it threatened 3,500 structures, injured
four firefighters and killed three civilians.
More than 4,000 firefighters and 350 engines responded. Just over 10,000 people
were evacuated, according to Martin. In
terms of structural damage, the Valley
Fire ranks No. 6 overall of California’s
worst wildfires, per CAL FIRE.
The 2003 Cedar Fire in San Diego
County still ranks as the deadliest wildfire
in California. It burned more than 273,000
acres, destroyed close
to 2,900 structures and
killed 15.
Along with compassion for the displaced
comes disappointment. Martin
gathered supporting police officers, law enforcement personnel,
CAL FIRE officials and California
Guardsmen for a regular briefing
regarding lawbreakers that were
present taking advantage of those who
evacuated. Homes had been broken into
and property had been stolen.
As people return, emotions will run
high, Martin explained. Public order and
security must be enforced.
“We’re asking everyone to be
compassionate and be understanding to some degree, but
if there are people who don’t
have a solid, legitimate purpose
for being here, they’re going to jail.
This place is not for a vacation,” Martin
said. “With the National Guard being
here, that’ll open up my officers and sergeants to do their jobs. We’re thankful for
the military police. We’ll be able to do our
community mission thanks to them.”
The Valley Fire, burning simultaneously with the Butte Fire, is one of several
major wildfires California National Guard
units have responded to this year. In August, the Rocky, Jerusalem and Humboldt
Lightning fires required the California
Guard’s assistance. Air assets have also
dropped water and retardant on other
fires this year.
So far in 2015, there have been more
than 5,300 fires in California, according
to CAL FIRE. Total acreage burned: nearly
300,000. And it’s just September. There
were about 3,700 fires alone in 2014.
California currently faces its most
severe drought on record, according to the state’s official website.
Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr.
declared a drought State of Emergency in January 2014, proclaiming
“a distinct possibility exists that the
current drought will stretch into a fifth
straight year in 2016 and beyond.”
Top to bottom: Spc. Julia Ritledge speaks with a local
resident about the road closures due to the safety threat.
First Lt. Keith J. Frederickson and Staff Sgt. Troy J. Meagher
converse with a Lake County sheriff and California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) personnel
before a Sept. 20 mission.
First Lt. Keith Frederickson and Sgt. Tori Siipolla, military
police with the 870th Military Police Company, 49th
Military Police Brigade, review procedures for mandatory
road blocks in evacuated communities due to the Valley
Fire in the Lake County, Calif.
By Staff Sgt. Edward Siguenza
Man’s
Best
Friend,
Crime’s
Worst
Enemy
U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Hector Rodriguez wears a bite sleeve
as U.S. Army Sgt. Wess Brown and Ricky are evaluated on
controlled aggression training, Nov. 2 at the 947th Military
Police Detachment kennel on Fort Belvoir, Va. Controlled
aggression training exposes how well K9 handlers and their
dogs work together as a team, and how much control a
handler has as the leader of the team.
P
ressure is constant for the 27 military working dog handlers
who serve the Military District of Washington. In addition
to daily installation force protection, there’s 32 hours a
month of required real world training and a full week of validating
the Soldiers’ dog handling abilities every three months.
Validation week is an intense week of military working dog
handler duty requirements: basic obedience, controlled aggression, scouting, vehicle searches, buildings, warehouses and aircraft. Also included are detection for explosives and narcotics.
For the 947th Military Police Detachment’s Working Dog section, which is split between kennels at both JBM-HH and Fort
Belvoir, missions to sniff out explosives and narcotics extends well
beyond the routine. The group is unique in that it works closely
with the U.S. Secret Service, other military services and civilian
law enforcement agencies to support high-security events in the
National Capital Region, including the president of the United
States, vice president and foreign visiting dignitaries, according to
the unit’s website.
And without passing validation week, handlers—some of
whom are young enough that they can’t legally consume alcohol
yet—nor their dogs will be certified to provide K9 support both in
the United States and abroad.
“There are no 18-year-old kids out there doing what these kids
do on a daily basis making sure that everybody in the National
Capital Region stays safe,” said Sgt. 1st Class Raymond Richardson, the 947th’s kennel master. Richardson is responsible for supervising and administering training to the more than two dozen
handlers who comprise the 947th’s military working dog unit.
Military working dog teams serve as not only a means of detection, but also deterrence, according to U.S. Army Lt. Col. Macedonio Molina, JBM-HH’s provost marshal and director of Emergency
Services.
“If bad guys know the dogs are working, they are less likely to
do something,” wrote Molina in an email to the Pentagram.
According to Richardson, handling military working dogs
remains a small career field, mostly comprised of “younger” K9
teams who regularly find themselves either deployed, sniffing for
drugs and other narcotics on U.S.-based military installations, or
sweeping roadways and open areas for traveling high-ranking U.S.
dignitaries.
“Our op tempo is like none other I’ve ever seen in the 12 years
since I’ve been doing this,” Richardson said. “From the president
all the way down to all the foreign dignitaries and most recently
the Pope mission.”
“Anytime POTUS goes somewhere we have to go with him,”
said Sgt. Charles Ogin, a seasoned dog handler who has become
accustomed to the rotation of stateside missions and deployments
overseas.
“So you’re working the road, you’re doing missions, you’re possibly deploying for nine to 12 months—it’s just always hectic,” he
said.
Sgt. Wess Brown, a four-year lead dog handler who is going
through validations with his new dog, Ricky, agrees that extensive
traveling is familiar territory for the dog handlers.
“As a dog handler you’re going everywhere,” he said. “I was in
Berlin, Turkey, Russia. Been a lot of places. Then Afghanistan, so
on and so forth.”
“So on and so forth” equates to places and missions Brown
simply couldn’t recall at the moment; too many to count.
Such stories prove there is no mission too great or too small for
the detachment. The 947th, which belongs to the 289th Military
Police Company of the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard),
supports counterinsurgency operations in combat zones, such as
on-going operations in Afghanistan. Similar to sniffing out bad
guys in the U.S., the working dog teams conduct patrols to sniff
out insurgents and seek out explosives.
In short, the teams are trained to be an asset in war zones
overseas.
Richardson has also seen a number of deployments to combat
zones and knows all too well the value of the dog’s trained sense of
smell.
“When you find a weapons cache down range—20
pounds of mortars and homemade explosives or
whatever you find—I could have saved anybody’s life,”
he said. “You just don’t know and there’s no way to put a
price tag on that and how important this job actually is.”
“Not only do we take those explosives off the field of battle,
but we’re also able to analyze those [explosives],” Brown said, to
emphasize the magnitude of K9 teams in counterinsurgency. “Not
only finding them, but finding their supplier.”
First-hand accounts like this remind younger military working
dog handlers that each day can bring an entirely different mission,
and can always be life-threatening. The teams’ performances at
Fort Belvoir combined with their individual stories of deployments
and high-security details in D.C. easily show that the job requires
constant vigilance, focus and continual training.
“It’s not cut and paste,” said Pfc. Christina Marsh, one of the
947th’s newest additions.
Story and photos by Arthur Mondale, Pentagram Staff Writer,
[email protected]
Top to bottom: U.S. Army Sgt. Wess Brown and his K9 partner Ricky
provide overwatch as U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Hector Rodriguez conducts
an initial body search on a decoy caught Nov. 2 in a heavily wooded
area on Fort Belvoir, Va. The decoy attempted to elude the K9 team by
concealing himself in deep brush.
U.S. Army Sgt. Wess Brown is caught by K9 Roy, Nov. 2 in a heavily
wooded area on Fort Belvoir, Va., during a training session. Brown
served as a decoy during scout training. Roy, who is partnered with U.S.
Army Pfc. Christina Marsh, used his keen sense of smell to detect the
decoy hiding in dense vegetation
From left, U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Matt Holley, U.S. Army Staff Sgt.
Frederick Ellerby and U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Raymond Richardson,
keep a close eye on K9 teams during validation week. Holley, Ellerby and
Richardson are lead supervisors and evaluators in the K9 Detachment,
which serves both Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall and Fort Belvoir.
CID EXPANDS ELIGIBILITY
To Become Sworn Federal Law Enforcement Officers
Commissioned Officers, Warrant Officers and MPs Included
uantico, Va., Dec. 1, 2015 - The U.S. Army Criminal
Investigation Command, commonly referred to as
CID, announced new initiatives that expand the
eligibility pool of Special Agent Warrant Officer candidates
to select commissioned officers, warrant officers
from other technical fields and Military Police
Investigators.
“The changes we are making will allow
us to maintain a high level of excellence
in our organization by bringing the best
and brightest officers, warrant officers
and Military Police who have a passion for
criminal justice into our ranks,” Col. John
Voorhees, CID deputy commander, said.
CID Special Agent Warrant Officers
plan, organize, conduct, and supervise
criminal intelligence operations (forensic and biometric applications), investigative support programs (economic
crimes and drug suppression) and highrisk protective services operations in support
of the institutional security operations and local
nation rule of law operations.
They are critical to CID’s overt and covert investigations, and they represent the Army’s interest in investigations conducted collaterally with the Department of
Defense, Department of Justice, and other federal, state,
local and foreign investigative agencies.
In the past, CID leadership has predominately looked
to CID enlisted agents to fill the warrant officer ranks. The
command is now looking not only at enlisted CID agents,
but across the Army to broaden the applicant pool.
CID opened application eligibility to the ranks of 1st Lt.,
Capt., and CW2 in other technical fields, who meet the eligibility requirements. The application submission window
is open now through Feb. 1, 2016.
• Eligible for a top secret clearance based on a single scope
background investigation
• Pass the standard three-event Army physical fitness test
and meet height/weight standards
•
Have normal color vision and no physical
limitations
• Ability to deploy worldwide
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and
have a favorable driving record
•
Ability to speak and write clearly
•
Must possess a sustained
and demonstrated level of leadership
competency, as supported by rater and senior
rater comments on officer evaluations
Officers who meet the eligibility
criteria and are interested in applying,
should contact their local CID office to
access the special agent application forms
and complete an interview with the CID special agent-in-charge. The local CID office will
assist officers with the electronic submission of the
application forms.
CID has also opened eligibility to qualified Military
Police Investigators serving in 31B occupational specialty
in the rank of Staff Sgt. and Sgt. 1st Class (not yet eligible
for promotion to Master Sgt.).
MPI applicants must have completed the V5 skill-identifier training at the U.S. Army Military Police School, conducted criminal investigations within the past two years
and meet all Special Agent Warrant Officer acceptance
criteria, with the exception of the two years of investigative experience serving in the 31D occupation specialty.
MPI applications will also be accepted now through
Feb. 1, 2016. As with officer-applicants, MPI-applicants
should contact their local CID office for assistance with
the application process.
Eligibility criteria includes:
MPI-applicant eligibility requirements include:
• U.S. citizenship
• General technical score of 110 or higher and skilled
technical score of 107
• Must have a minimum of a baccalaureate degree from an
accredited institution
• U.S. Citizenship
• General technical score of 110 or higher and skill technical
score of 107
• Advance Leader Course completion for Staff Sgt.
• Senior Leader Course completion for Sgt. 1st Class
• Must have a minimum of a baccalaureate degree from an
accredited institution
• Eligible for a Top Secret Clearance based on a Single Scope
Background Investigation
• Pass the standard three-event Army physical fitness test
and meet height/weight standards
• Have normal color vision and no physical limitations
• Ability to deploy worldwide
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and have a favorable
driving record
• Ability to speak and write clearly
• Must possess a sustained and demonstrated level of leadership competency as supported by rater and senior rater
comments on non-commissioned officer evaluations
“We have a unique mission and warrant officers are key
to accomplishing our mission,” Col. Debra Hanneman,
CID deputy chief of staff for support, said. “We need to
maintain our strength in our warrant officer ranks to
ensure the highest caliber investigative and protective
services capabilities for the Army.”
For more information on the new Special Agent Warrant Officer eligibility initiatives, contact the CID special
agent accreditation division personnel at lisa.a.dodd6.
[email protected] or [email protected].
CID continues to accept Special Agent applications
from Soldiers with a rank of Spc., Sgt. and Staff Sgt. For a
complete list of eligibility requirements for these Soldiers,
visit www.cid.army.mil.
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MP Soldier Grabs First Spot in Line
for Operation Toy Drop
F
ORT BRAGG, N.C., (Dec. 16,
2015) — On a cool and crisp early
December morning with a hint of
the winter to come in the air, hundreds
of Soldiers wait patiently in line at Pope
Field’s Green Ramp, each of them bearing gifts for children they would never
meet. Some are zipped up in sleeping
bags on the cold concrete. Some are
huddled over donated cups of hot coffee.
All of them are there for at least one reason: to participate in this year’s “Lottery
Day.”
For one Soldier, this would be his second morning spent outside waiting for
what has become a Fort Bragg tradition.
U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Micheal Tkachenko, a military police officer with the 65th
Military Police, or MP, Company, arrived
for the 18th Annual Randy Oler Memorial Operation Toy Drop Lottery Day at
7:30 a.m. Dec. 3 — a full day before the
actual event. He and five other Soldiers
from his unit obtained their commander’s permission to attend Lottery Day
early as an exercise of esprit de corps,
as well as an opportunity to give back to
the community, he said.
“It’s not just about yourself,” Tkachenko said.
LARGEST COMBINED AIRBORNE OP
Operation Toy Drop, hosted annually since 1998 by the U.S. Army Civil
Affairs and Psychological Operations
Command, collects toys to be distributed to children in need during the
holiday season. Operation Toy Drop is
the largest combined airborne operation
in the world. Since its inception, it has
collected more than 100,000 toys for the
community.
In addition to Lottery Day, Operation Toy Drop collects toys in a variety
of ways, including the annual Operation
Toy Trot 5k race and via donation boxes
at the post exchanges. Almost 1,000
paratroopers came out for Lottery Day,
which offers airborne Soldiers a chance
I know some say the Army
comes first, family second,
but in my mind, Army is
Family,” Tkachenko said.
U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Micheal Tkachenko waits
in line to donate at the 18th Annual Randy
Oler Memorial Operation Toy Drop, hosted
by U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological
Operations Command at Pope Field, N.C., Dec.
3, 2015. Operation Toy Drop is the world’s
largest combined airborne operation and this
year included jumpmasters from seven nations:
Canada, Colombia, Germany, Indonesia, Italy,
the Netherlands and Latvia.
to win one of 500 opportunities to jump
with a partner-nation jumpmaster and
earn foreign jump wings. In true lottery
style, whether a Soldier is first or last in
line, his or her chances of being picked
for a seat are the same. Although not
required, paratroopers were encouraged
to bring a toy and donate it at the event.
“If we get wings, it’s an extra bonus,”
Tkachenko said. “But it’s more or less
about just being able to participate and
give back.”
Operation Toy Drop impacts the community in a lot of different ways, he said.
It not only gives toys to underprivileged
children, it also shows the community
that the military is motivated about giving back.
“The community supports us and we
support them,” he said. “We’re there to
help them, not just collect a paycheck.”
MORE THAN A PAYCHECK
Army Spc. Andrew Wood, an MP with
the 65th MP Company and a Soldier in
Tkachenko’s squad, agreed that, for his
squad leader, it has never been about the
paycheck.
“He really cares,” Wood said. “He’s
one of the [noncommissioned officers
in charge] that would honestly catch a
bullet for his [troops]. And he takes care
of them anyway he can.”
A self-proclaimed family man,
Tkachenko’s devotion to his Soldiers and
the military are derived from this title.
“I know some say the Army comes
first, family second, but in my mind,
Army is Family,” Tkachenko said.
Tkachenko waited almost 26 hours
to receive a little blue lottery ticket. His
chance to earn foreign wings didn’t
come through a winning lottery ticket,
however. The enthusiasm shown by the
first 10 people in line led Army Maj. Gen.
Daniel R. Ammerman, commander of
U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command, to bestow the
first 10 people in line with certificates
of appreciation and reserved seats on a
plane that will give them an opportunity
to earn their foreign jump wings.
Wings or no wings, Tkachenko had no
regrets about attending lottery day, he
said.
“I don’t come here for the wings,” he
said.
For Tkachenko and the rest of the
Soldiers who brought gifts and waited in
line in anticipation of a Fort Bragg tradition, this time of year was an opportunity to bond with their fellow Soldiers,
give back to the community that has
supported them and share in the spirit of
the holidays.
By Army Spc. Angela Lorden, 362nd
Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
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AROUND THE WORLD
ANYTHING BUT ORDINARY
18th Military Police Brigade included with ‘Multi-National Brigade’
along with the Ukraine 21st Theater Sustainment Command
L
’VIV, Ukraine — By sight and sound,
it looks like a standard Army tactical
operations center with maps, computers and communication equipment, but
the team working there is anything but ordinary. The battle captain is Canadian, the
intelligence officer is Polish, the operations
officer is Ukrainian and other key personnel
represent nations across Europe. This is the
TOC for Rapid Trident 15.
The 21st Theater Sustainment Command’s 18th Military Police Brigade
partnered with military personnel from
nations across Europe to form the 18th
Multi-National Brigade during the multinational training exercise Rapid Trident 15
held at the International Peacekeeping and
Security Center July 20-31.
The “Ever Vigilant” Brigade, stationed in
Grafenwoehr, Germany, arrived in Ukraine
with their brigade headquarters element
and immediately began constructing their
TOC. As they set up their equipment, they
began integrating with partner nation
military from Canada, Turkey, Ukraine,
Bulgaria, Germany, Poland, Latvia and
Romania. Together, this team would be responsible for command and control of more
than 1,800 Soldiers from 18 nations including their own.
“We have military personnel here from
Ukraine, United States, Belgium, Bulgaria,
Canada, Estonia, Georgia, Germany, the
United Kingdom, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Norway, Poland, Romania, Spain,
Sweden and Turkey,” said Col. Zane Jones,
the commander of the 18th MP Bde. “We
have augmented our brigade staff with
officers and leaders from several of these
nations, proving the interoperability of
Europe’s armed forces.”
During the 10-day exercise the 18th MNB
conducted a command post exercise to
develop the capability and interoperability
of U.S. forces working alongside their multinational partners. Meanwhile, U.S. Soldiers
from the 709th Military Police Battalion,
173rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne) and military personnel from the 18
partner nations conducted military tactics
training together. This training culminated
in a field training exercise, during which
multi-national battalions conducted simulated battles while the 18th MNB exercised
command and control.
“In the scenario, our armed forces are on
established operating bases with a pervasive enemy in the area,” said Canadian
Capt. Robert Hastings, an 18th MNB battle
captain. “Our mission was to combat the
enemy and clear the area of threats. All the
partner nations came together as one in the
[multi-national] brigade. We are all here
with the same intent and mission, so even
with some language barriers, we got the
mission done.”
The brigade multi-national team worked
together to control and coordinate their
battalions as they fought in simulated
battle. Its personnel were responsible for
aligning forces to engage enemy threats
in reacting to specific incidents, gathering
intelligence, resupplying ground forces and
even accounting for equipment. The team
also reacted to simulated events involving
displaced personnel and humanitarian
assistance.
“The interoperability of our U.S. forces
with these partner countries was truly
amazing and it was the key to mission success here,” said Command Sgt. Maj. James
Breckenridge, the 18th MP Bde. command
sergeant major. “Within 48 hours of our
arrival and integration with our partner
nations, this team was ready to conduct the
mission.”
The exercise concluded July 31 with a
closing ceremony during which personnel from all participating countries stood
together in formations by battalion and
brigade, not nationality. As the formation
was dismissed and everyone prepared for
the journey home, one leader reflected on
the exercise.
“It was incredible to see all of these
countries come together as quickly as they
did and perform this mission,” said Breckenridge. “Everyone, from our Canadian
battle captain to our Ukrainian intelligence
officer, did an outstanding job here. It’s
great to see such teamwork in such a short
period of time.”
By Sgt. 1st Class Alexander Burnett
FOB Resolute Support MPs Gather to Celebrate Anniversary
T
o celebrate the Military Police
Corps Regiment’s 74th anniversary,
Military Police Officers, Warrants
Officers, Noncommissioned Officers, and
Soldiers gathered at Resolute Support
Headquarters, Kabul, Afghanistan to enjoy
an evening of comraderie and remembrance. Military Police from across the
total Army – Active, Reserve, and National
Guard - joined with sister service police
forces and coalition police partners from
the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany,
Turkey, Romania, and Italy in the Destille Gardens on FOB Resolute Support.
The celebration opened with remarks
from our senior MP leaders here in Kabul
highlighting the proud and valorous history of the MP Corps originating with the
Marechaussee Corps. The senior leaders
also relayed the Commandant’s message
to all Military Police gathered here and
commended them for the important and
critical mission support to Afghanistan.
Military Police assigned to Resolute
Support conduct a myriad of tasks across
the CJOA ranging from the 31D and 31B
Soldiers conducting traditional close
protection and protective services for
the over 40 general officers at the NATO
Headquarters to 31E corrections specialist
accompanying SOF forces as they partner
with the host nation in the apprehension
and incarceration of detainees across the
CJOA. Among those there to celebrate the
regimental anniversary were Army Military Police, Air Force Security Forces, and
Navy Masters at Arms from the MOI Advisory Team, Military Police specializing
in Detention Operations and Policy from
the National Security Justice Development
Directorate, Military Police AFPAK Hands
advisors who partner with Afghan Border
Police, and Military Police Soldiers assigned to provide base camp force protection duties as international Military Police
on Camp RS. “This was a great opportunity for all ranks and services, regardless
of origin, to take a moment and celebrate
the Regiment’s Anniversary and connect
with each other and our partners in the
complex and important mission” said COL
Patrick Williams who organized the gathering and is serving as a Senior Advisor to
Afghanistan’s Minister of Interior.
By MAJ Lawerence Grant, OPS and Plans Officer, National Security Justice Development
Host Nation Policing Strategies Conference
G
RAFENWOEHR, Germany — Military police from across
the German footprint attended a conference on September
28 and 29, designed to codify best practices in host nation
police development.
Several units of the 21st Theater Sustainment Command, 18th
MP Brigade, 709th MP Battalion gathered in Grafenwoehr, Germany to learn more about how to assess, develop, and measure the
progress of host nation police forces in any environment.
As part of the Battalion’s Leader Development Program, leaders
from the 92nd MP Company near Kaiserslautern, the 527th MP Co.
from Hohenfels, the 529th MP Co. from Wiesbaden, the 554th MP
Co. from Stuttgart and the 615th MP Co. from Grafenwoehr joined
the Battalion leadership at Grafenwoehr to leverage the experiences
of the last decade and gain new insight from junior leaders unencumbered with the Iraq and Afghanistan perspective.
Leaders of the conference acknowledged that a lot of resources
are available on “lessons learned” about host nation police development. However, a comprehensive and practical training support
package describing how to assess and develop host nation police
forces in any deployed environment is not yet available.
According to 709th MP Bn. officials, “There is a lot of published
information on experiences and best practices that units used
while developing police in Iraq and Afghanistan, but there is no
comprehensive overview of where to start based on the varied
abilities of the police, the development trajectory, and how to assess
progress in developing forces. This is particularly relevant given the
NATO Strong emphasis in USAREUR.”
“We might be going to a country where they may have all these
assets already or we might be going to a place like Afghanistan
where we would have to build from the ground up,” said Capt. Michael J. Neu II of the 709th MP Co. and native of San Antonio, Texas.
“But this, I think, establishes a baseline and has criteria on what
needs to happen as the police progress in all domains of functionality.
The end state for leaders across the 709th MP Bn. is to have a
comprehensive product that provides units the strategy they need
to assess and develop police forces in any deployed area.
“What we are working on now,” said 1st Lt. Hannah Miller, 615th
MP Co. platoon leader and
native of Annandale, Virginia,
“are assessment tools so if anyone in the battalion deploys,
and needs to assess a host nation’s police force, we will have
a baseline.”
“We will know where the
police are at the start and what
other steps need to be taken
to get them to a higher level,”
Miller added.
On the first day, facilitators
of the conference started by
framing the problem, defining
expectations, and informing
Maj. Kris Rotchell, of the British
the leaders that group presenArmy, gives advice and guidance
based on his real world experience
tations would take place on the
to the leaders at the 709th Military 29th, to included final discusPolice Battalion Police Transition
sion on best practices.
Team Conference in Grafenwoehr,
Leaders were split into
Germany September 28 through
groups and were expected to
September 30.
Leaders of the 709th Military Police Battalion, 18th MP Brigade discuss
first hand experiences building host nation police forces.
collaborate and define issues according to their DOTMLPF domain
(i.e. doctrine, organization, training, material, leadership/education, personnel, and facilities). Each group had to establish a way
to assess the police force in their specific domain, how to outline
that progression, what tasks to train and/or systems to implement
at each level, and what can be used as measures of performance/
effectiveness.
Group one, the doctrine analysis group examined the historical
policing model in the country and how the police operate to prevent violence and crime and protect the population. In general they
looked at how to evaluate if tactics, techniques, and procedures
were appropriate for the threat.
Group two, training analysis group examined how police are
prepared from basic training, advanced individual training, various types of unit training/continued education, to see if improvement can be made to offset capability gaps.
Group three, concentrated on organization analysis examining
how a police force is organized as an effective force. It discussed
different organizational structures and capabilities that can be
developed to solve a capability gap.
Group four, the material analysis group examined the police
force to see if they had the ability to equip, maintain, and support
policing activities.
Group five, focused on leadership and education examining how
leaders are prepared and their overall professional development.
This is separate and distinct by preparing individuals and establishing credible units through its leadership.
Over the two day conference, each group found solutions, built
a PTT strategy for their group, presented their proposed strategy,
critiqued each other, and discussed the elements involved to implement their proposed solutions.
“The intent of the conference was to identify through the
doctrine, organization, training, material, leadership/education,
personnel, and facilities (DOTMLPF) lens what is required to assess, rate, and then progress nations in the different domains if we
were to go anywhere and execute host nation police building,” said
Maj. Ranjini Danaraj, the 709th MP Bn. executive officer and native
of Redmond, Washington.
Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Christina Turnipseed, 18th MP Public
Affairs, 21st TSC
Building a
better team
G
AGETOWN, New Brunswick, Canada - Soldiers of
the 23rd Military Police Company, stationed out of
Fort Drum, N.Y., traveled from their home to Canadian Forces Base Gagetown in New Brunswick, Canada, to
train with the Canadian Armed Forces Military Police as a
part of Joint Training Exercise Strident Tracer. The exercise’s primary mission was to integrate U.S. Army Military
Police and the Canadian Armed Forces in a tactical environment and create an international partnership.
Pfc. Christopher Falba, from 1st Platoon, 23rd MP Company, 91st MP Battalion, 16th MP Brigade from Fort Drum,
New York, said “I have never done my job with another
nation’s army or even outside of my own country, so that is
definitely something different and exciting for me.”
After a few days of integrating with Military Police from
the Canadian Armed Forces, the Soldiers from Fort Drum
completed their mission brief and spent eight days in the
Canadian wilderness battling high humidity, torrential rain
and a simulated forward deployed battle rhythm. The leaders both armies took notice and commended their troops
on a job well done when the mission was complete.
“The United States Army and Canadian Armed Forces
tried to keep the training as real as we can by continuously
getting missions, conducting route reconnaissance and
mission briefings,” said 1st Lt. Edgar Penedo, the platoon
leader from the 23rd Military Police Company, 91st MP Battalion, 16th MP Brigade from Fort Drum.
“The Soldiers have done outstanding,” said Sgt. Cody
Meyers, a team leader in 1st Platoon.
Meyers added, “I was confident that they would work
with the Canadian Armed Forces in a professional manner,
A lone weapon equipped with Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System (MILES) gear used by a simulated enemy during Joint
Exercise Strident Tracer stands as proof of the resistance the U.S.
Army and Canadian Soldiers faced during the training event. The
eight-day field operation places U.S. Army military police and Canadian Armed Forces military police side by side in order to bolster
interoperability and strengthen international relations.
but both groups really shined.”
Once the members of first platoon return, another platoon of the 23rd Military Police Company will eventually
deploy to Canada to start another round of training and
continue the great partnership and experience that first
platoon has forged.
By Sgt. David Greeson
WHERE YOU
GIVE MATTERS
Donations to Military Police Regimental Association will be used to support
the Benevolent Fund, Scholarship Fund and the Memorial Grove project.
www.MPRAonline.org | CFC Donation # 76219
TOMORROW’S MP
Following the Path to Certified,
Marketable Military Police Skills
o matter how long their Army
careers last, there are two
things that Soldiers should
do: prepare for the future and
improve for the present. Continual growth
and development are crucial in any profession, especially in the U.S. Army Military
Police Corps. Military police Soldiers have
marketable skills, but it is difficult to get
the civilian community to recognize them.
One way to get recognition is by successfully completing the Peace Officer Standards and Training test through the state
of Missouri. The test allows state and local
governments to recognize that military
police Soldiers have the necessary proficiencies, talents, and training required of
civilian peace officers. The recognition
increases opportunities for Soldiers and
helps them prepare for their transition into
the civilian world. It helps them obtain a
Missouri Class A Peace Officer license that
is valid for 5 years, allows them to seek
employment as peace officers (or reserve
peace officers) anywhere in the state that
a Missouri Class A License is accepted,
improves their understanding of police
operations, and provides the growth and
development needed to remain relevant in
the Military Police Corps.
It takes dedication and patience to get to
the testing phase. To start, applicants submit their military police training records,
certificates, a criminal background check,
fingerprints, and other paperwork for the peace officer license
application. The listed training,
experience, and education are
assessed by a state official and
a military representative at Fort
Leonard Wood, Missouri. Successful applicants are notified
that they are eligible to take the
state examination. For complete details of
the application process, go to http://dps.
mo.gov/dir/programs/post /forms.php
and click “Missouri Peace Officer License
Application for Veteran Peace Officers.” The
website provides other useful information
and points of contact for questions about
the process and testing.
The test is divided into the following
main areas:
• Legal studies, including topics such as
constitutional law, Missouri statutory law,
and traffic law.
• Interpersonal perspectives, dealing
with ethics and professionalism, domestic
violence, and human behavior.
• Operations, such as patrol, jail
population management, traffic accidents,
criminal investigation, offense investiga-
tion, report writing, juvenile justice, and
first aid.
• Skill development, including defensive
tactics, use of firearms, and driver
training.
Preparation is key for success on
the test. One good study source is
the Missouri1 (available from various
online sources), which outlines
many of the topics covered on the
test. The test is offered regularly in
Jefferson City, Missouri.
Passing the test qualifies applicants
for a Class A Peace Officer license that is
valid for 5 years and can be used to apply
for law enforcement jobs throughout the
state. Those who complete the program are
more competent in their profession, with
a broader, more in-depth understanding
of law enforcement activities. Taking the
Peace Officer Standards and Training test
is not an easy path; but the only way the
Military Police Corps can remain professional, relevant, and competitive is through
the constant growth and development of its
Soldiers.
By Lt. Colonel Forrest A. Woolley (Retired)
Missouri Criminal Code Handbook, University of
Missouri–Columbia School of Law, Columbia, Missouri,
1979.
1
Keeping the Regiment Strong
The Military Police Regimental Association Benevolent Fund is dedicated to provide financial
relief to members and retirees of the Military Police Corps Regiment and Soldiers or civilians working
in support of the Military Police Corps Regiment in times of need. The Benevolent Fund is one of the
many ways that MPRA supports Soldiers around the globe every day.
FOR INFORMATION, QUESTIONS ON HOW TO REQUEST RELIEF OR TO DONATE TO THE FUND,
PLEASE CALL 573-329-6772 OR [email protected]
www.MPRAonline.org
LIGHT OUR WAY
AND YOUR FUTURE
As a member of the military, you’ve trained hard, sacrificed, and led the
way. Now it’s your time to shine. America will need at least 4 million college
graduates by 2020.* Not everyone has the mindset and discipline
for success—but you do. You’ve already handled your share of tough challenges.
Use that valuable training to forge a successful new path—one that sparks new
opportunities for you and your family.
Bring out that spark inside you.
SHINE NOW. military.kaplan.edu
*Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Employment Outlook 2010-2020: Occupational employment projections to
2020,” January 2012, on the Internet at www.bls.gov/opub/mlr/2012/01/art5full.pdf. National long-term projections may not reflect local
and/or short-term economic or job conditions, and do not guarantee actual job growth.
Kaplan University cannot guarantee employment or career advancement. For comprehensive consumer information,
visit www.kaplanuniversity.edu/student-consumer-information.aspx.
DRAGOON AD 07/15
MP HISTORY
23rd Military Police Company Reunion
The Old Guard Meets the New
I
t’s kind of tough to be the “Old Guard,” not something we
Vietnam vets ever expected—or desired—to be.
“It’s a happy day because it shows the evolution of our
Army,” said Brig. Gen. Timothy P. McGuire.
Nevertheless, in late June 2015 we old Soldiers of the 23rd
Military Police Company put on that mantle and journeyed to Fort Drum, NY to meet with our modern day—and
younger—counterparts.
The 23rd MP Company finds its roots in the Military
Police Platoon of World War II’s Americal Division. A named,
not numbered, division, the Americal was activated in the
Pacific Theater. Its MP Platoon came into being in April
1943.
The platoon participated in three campaigns and served
in Guadalcanal, Bougainville and the Philippines before being deactivated in December 1945. Two of its members made
the supreme sacrifice.
In the mid-1950’s, the unit was reactivated, this time as
the 23rd MP Company, for 16 months in the Panama Canal
Zone.
Then in December 1967 the company came alive again in
Vietnam and participated in thirteen campaigns with other
Americal Division units in the northern part of the country,
all the way up to Ceasefire. The Second Platoon received a
Valorous Unit Award for its actions in August 1969.
MP’s furled their guidon in June 1972 in Danang. Thirteen of their brother Military Policemen never returned from
Vietnam.
With division restructuring and the dissolution of divisional MP companies, it was with a good deal of wonder
that we Vietnam vets attended the activation of the 23rd MP
Company (Airborne, no less!) at Fort Bragg, NC in October
2005.
How the gods of war made that decision is one of those
mysteries we shall never fathom. But we are grateful that the
company was granted life once more. Many Vietnam veterans were present at the reactivation, including both the first
and the last Vietnam era company commanders.
The reactivated company deployed to Iraq in 2006 - 2007
and acquitted itself well, receiving a Meritorious Unit Commendation.
In May 2008, the 23rd MP Company was transferred to
Fort Drum, NY and assigned to the 91st MP Battalion. From
there in 2014 and 2015, elements of the Company deployed
again, this time to Afghanistan.
Campaign credit for the Company’s participation in the
War on Terrorism is yet to be determined.
Our group of veterans is organized as the 23rd MP Chapter, Americal Division Veterans Association. In 2015, we
decided to attempt a reunion at Fort Drum. Our Vice-Commander, Vern Pike, took on the mission of coordinating the
effort.
Top: LTC Michelle Goyette and COL (R) Verner Pike with the 23rd MP
Reunion Group. MP service crosses generational lines.
The result was that from June 25-28, 2015 about 30 Vietnam
veterans and their ladies made the trip.
Over two of those days, the Soldiers of the 91st MP Battalion, then led by Lt. Col. Michelle Goyette, and the 23rd MP
Company, led by Capt. Brian Casey and 1st Sgt. Chris Parris
organized a series of briefings and events showcasing their
capabilities and their commitment.
The reunion began with a Friday morning briefing at
battalion headquarters. There we learned of the depth and
spread of the battalion’s mission, and how truly committed
(and busy!) today’s Military Police really are.
Afterwards, we held a late morning memorial service with
the Chapter Chaplain, Dale Meisel, acting as emcee and the
The weekend gave all of us veterans great confidence in the modern
Military Police Corps, its future in the United States Army and in the Soldiers
of the 23rd Military Police Company: “Born for War.”
battalion Chaplain, Capt. Juen Kim, as the principal speaker.
Chapter Commander Jim O’Brien and 23rd MP Company
Commander Capt. Brian Casey jointly presented a wreath.
Also as is our tradition, we took turns reading aloud the
names of the fifteen men on the Final Roll Call. Dave Navy
sang an inspiring “Taps” to end the ceremony.
A picnic type lunch in the company area was the occasion
to recognize the ladies with a yellow rose. The company’s
Family Readiness Group, something that did not exist way
back when, organized this event. The brief ceremony really
touched the hearts of the ladies, as they had never been recognized for their “service”.
We also watched while Vern Pike, the oldest Soldier present, and Pvt. Samuel Jaramillo, the youngest Soldier, cut a
celebratory cake with a saber.
After lunch the Military Working Dog Detachment put on a
demonstration of their capabilities, Soldier and canine. There
was time to tour the static display of vehicles and weapons,
swap yarns with the troops and visit the motor pool.
Friday night was “Right Arm Night” at The Commons, the
joint Officer/Enlisted Club. That event is a quarterly affair,
officers and NCOs only, that is, no spouses, so we had a few
beers with them and talked some more shop for a couple of
hours.
Saturday saw us return to the post for breakfast at a dining
facility, and a tour of the 10th Mountain Division Museum,
along with a stop at Post Headquarters to see the inspiring
sculptures there.
In the evening all of us, Soldiers, veterans and spouses,
returned to the The Commons for dinner and a few speeches.
First Sgt. Parris was kind enough to pass out company challenge coins to all of us.
But the real highlight of the evening was the surprise presentation of the Silver Order of the Marechaussee to Col. (USA
Retired) Verner Pike by Lt. Col. Goyette.
In the course of Vern’s work of coordinating the reunion,
Lt. Col. Goyette got to know him. She became so impressed
with Vern’s contributions to the Military Police Corps that she
successfully made his case to the Military Police Regimental
Association. At the time of the award, only 242 others had
been so recognized.
This was a completely unanticipated event and touched
Vern deeply. He remarked, “I’ve been retired for 27 years. No
one even knows who I am.” Now they do!
It was obvious from the way the weekend unfolded that the
Soldiers had worked hard to put a great schedule together.
But that bare fact says little. The Soldiers’ dynamism, enthusiasm and professionalism were evident in all the events. The
benefits of meeting with such great young men and women
were incalculable.
The weekend gave all of us veterans great confidence in the
modern Military Police Corps, its future in the United States
Army and in the Soldiers of the 23rd Military Police Company:
“Born for War.”
Top: Soldiers from the 91st MP Battalion with the 23rd MP Company
Reunion group.
Middle: LTC Michelle Goyette presenting the 91st MP Battalion Command Brief to the Reunion group.
Bottom LT: LTC Michelle Goyette presenting COL(R) Verner Pike with
the Silver Order of the Marechaussee
Bottom RT: Memorial Tribute
Story by Dale Meisel | Photos by Dutch DeGroot
Desert Storm Reunion Makes Them
Brothers in Arms Again
N
EWPORT — Ten years after returning from a tour of
duty in Iraq in 1991, John Cianci started planning a
reunion for Rhode Islanders who had served in Operation Desert Storm.
The 15th anniversary came and went unrecognized, and so
did the 20th. But not the 25th.
In 1990, Saddam Hussein’s Iraqi troops invaded Kuwait. The
U.S. gave Hussein until Jan. 15, 1991, to withdraw his troops.
On Jan. 16, with Iraqi soldiers still occupying the country, U.S.
forces launched Operation Desert Storm with night after night
of bombings.
Cianci’s unit, the Rhode Island National Guard’s 119th
Military Police Company, deployed in February and returned
around May.
Twenty-five years later, many of the men and women who
served during the First Gulf War have had children and have
even become grandparents, said Cianci, who now lives in St.
Croix, Virgin Islands. “It was another lifetime, and that lifetime
cannot be forgotten,” he said.
On Saturday evening, more than 250 veterans from all military branches — all of whom deployed from Rhode Island for
Operation Desert Storm — descended on the Hyatt Regency in
Newport for the 25th anniversary.
“No matter what uniform you wear, we’re all the same,” said
Bill Gearon, of Newport, the committee’s secretary who also
served in the 119th.
“This is a gathering of friends that we haven’t seen in 25
years,” said Desert Storm veteran Tom Rezendes, chairman of
the Rhode Island Desert Storm Reunion Committee.
Rezendes, who lives in Johnston, said the reunion committee reached out, with the help of sponsors, to veterans who have
become “homeless or just don’t have the means to participate
in events like these,” and some were able to attend Saturday’s
reunion.
Sherry Lusiak, of Lincoln, who was one of five women in the
119th who served in Desert Storm, said she was in graduate
school before she was deployed. “We were out in the middle of
the desert with nothing. We lived in a tent,” she said. “You have
a second family when you’re in the Army.”
Nowadays, people walk up to veterans and thank them for
their service, said Gunnery Sgt. Theodore Banks, a Marine veteran of both Vietnam and Operation Desert Storm. But things
were very different when he landed in Los Angeles in 1969 after
serving in Vietnam, he said.
Banks, who was 19 at the time, was with four other soldiers,
all in uniform. He was spit on and called a “baby killer,” he said.
The four found a bathroom, changed into civilian clothes, and
asked a police officer for directions to the USO lounge reserved
for servicemen and women.
“It took a while for a lot of people to digest,” he said.
On notebook paper, in orange cursive writing, were the
Veterans attend the Rhode Island Desert Storm 25th Anniversary
Reunion on Saturday at the Hyatt Regency in Newport. From left, Bill
Gearon, of Newport; Karen Dalton, founder of Foster’s Dare to Dream
Ranch, which works with veterans; Theodore Banks, of Fall River, a
Marine veteran of both Vietnam and Iraq; Sherry Lusiak, of Lincoln; and
reunion chairman Tom Rezendes, of Johnston. They’re holding a framed
photograph honoring fellow service people who have died. A replica of
the military police helmet worn in Operation Desert Storm. About 250
service members who lived in Rhode Island when they went on active
duty gathered in Newport for the 25th anniversary. Photos by The Providence Journal/Steve Szydlowski.
words: “Thank you for your service, have breakfast on me. Pay it
forward. Gold Star Mom.”
The note included $10.
He does not know who left the note but has since framed it.
“I’m glad they recognize what we do, and what we sacrifice,
and the pain we go through,” he said.
Story by By Carol Kozma,
Journal Staff Writer
Identical Siblings Follow Family Tradition
W
hen two sisters from a set of triplets made the decision to follow
the Family tradition of military
service, there was no doubt in their minds
they would take on the challenge together.
Pvts. Alyxandra and Brandy Erdmann,
both assigned to Company C, 795th Military
Police Battalion, grew up in Broken Arrow,
Oklahoma, with military stories from their
grandfather, father, uncle. Those stories
stayed with the sisters and led them to the
Army and Fort Leonard Wood where they
could begin creating their own stories about
serving as military police.
“It’s always been a thing in the back of
my head that if I didn’t do it, I wouldn’t feel
accomplished,” Brandy, the middle sibling,
said.
“My grandfather was a Marine, and
he would always talk about (his service),”
Alyxandra, the oldest, said. “Dad was in the
Navy, my uncle was in the Navy, and they
just gave us the motivation to join.”
Pvt. Casey Erdmann, the youngest of
the triplets, graduated Army Basic Combat
Training in July as a cavalry scout, Alyxandra said, paving the way for his sisters to
graduate today.
“He told us a lot to get ready for,” Alyxandra said. “He told us how important it
is to pass a PT test, he gave us the advice
basically to not drop your bags when you
first arrive and get off the bus. He just gave
us little insiders of how it would be.”
At 20-years-old, the Erdmann sisters
grew up sharing almost everything. They
shared a bedroom, worked the same jobs
and chose to attend the same college. Joining the same Army Reserve unit, 346th Military Police Company, Hutchinson, Kansas,
to become military policemen was just their
next challenge to face, together.
“We did everything together,” Alyxandra said. “We like the same stuff, so we just
thought it would be awesome to have my
sister, who is my best friend, by my side the
whole time.”
Their desire to be military police evolved
from their mutual love of cop dramas on
television.
Both sisters stand at about 5 feet 6 inches
tall and have blonde hair and brown eyes.
They are identical in almost every way, leading to some interesting incidents early on in
training.
There were a few moments when the drill
sergeants of Co. C, couldn’t tell them apart.
It was a case of mistaken identity in one
instance involving Staff Sgt. Christopher
Willard, 2nd Platoon drill sergeant.
Willard saw who he thought was his
Erdmann with the wrong color of tape designating her platoon. When he confronted
her about being a traitor, Brandy stepped
in and assured him they were indeed in the
correct platoons. The occasional mix-up
aside, drill sergeants from both platoons
said being together could be beneficial for
siblings at BCT.
“I think it’s really good for them, because
a lot of these Soldiers have problems being away from their Families,” said Staff
Sgt. Jeremy Shephard, 2nd Platoon drill
sergeant. “They have each other to provide
that motivation to keep them going.”
When Brandt and Alyxandra graduated
on 21 January, they joined the long line of
Erdmann’s who have chosen to serve their
country.
Story and photo by Stephen Standifird
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793rd MP Battalion Association Reunion
T
he 793RD Military Police Battalion Association was founded in 1988 to
sler Korean War 1950- Outpost Harry, Gene Stephens WWII 1941 — oldest living
honor all who served within the Battalion from its inception in December MP at 97! It was an absolute honor to host such distinguished guests.
1942 thru the present. Furthermore, it was dedicated to promoting esprit
Throughout Reunion week, events and outings were conducted to the
de corps and to bringing together past and present SPARTAN members
historical sites of St. Charles, Missouri, the state first state capital; the departure
and their families to preserve and promote the history of this storied battalion.
point of the Lewis & Clark Expedition; and the home of Daniel Boone. AdditionThe Association was started by WWII Veteran Art Sherokow and his wife Gerta,
ally, as the highlight of this year’s informal activities, the Association hosted
and has continually operated for the last 27 years through the dedication of
veterans of the 793rd MP Battalion and their families to a Milwaukee Brewers
versus St. Louis Cardinals baseball game at Busch Stadium, during which time
many veterans and their families. These founders and leaders of the Association
the Association and its veterans were publically recognized.
were honored this year by having their names inscribed and dedicated on the
Over the last three years, the Association has been fortunate to have been
793RD MP BN Association Memorial Bench placed in the Military Police Memorial Grove, Fort Leonard Wood, MO this September. While many of our WWII
invited to participate in the MP Corps’ Regimental Week activities. Therefore,
Veterans have passed, the legacy continues and is carried
Friday was designated as Fort Leonard Wood Day in order to
forward through spouses, such as Dolores De Rosa (wife of
“We need you to carry on tour the installation, the MP museum, and to attend the Regithe late SSG Frank De Rosa 42-46), and the sons, daughters,
mental Ball. Upon arrival to Ft Leonard Wood, member of the
the Spartan spirit and Association went to the Military Police School for the promoand grandchildren of the Greatest Generation.
camaraderie.”
This year’s 27th reunion, which coincided with MP
tion ceremony of LTC(P) Stephen Gabavics, Co-Director of our
Regimental Week, began with a flourish on Wednesday,
Association which was presided over by Brigadier General Kevin
— SSG Frank De Rosa
September 23rd with the hanging of our 793RD Military Police
Vereen. In a demonstration of camaraderie of the SPARTAN BatBN Association’s banner in the main lobby of the Crowne
talion, COL Gabavics not only had his parents, Mark and Sandy
Plaza Airport Hotel in Bridgeton, Missouri. The pride in the Battalion and the
Gabavics, wife and daughter Anna and Avery, sister and brother Marie and Brian
Association was on display for all guests to see. The Association welcomed its
participate in the ceremony but also veterans and family member of the 793rd MP
Battalion including Dolores and Diane De Rosa, and Peter and Faye Schantz.
guests in the Clayton Hospitality room where on display were archival photoAfter the promotion ceremony attendees headed to the MP Museum to meet
graphs provided by the recently inactivated 793RD Military Police BN, Joint Base
Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. Also on display were previous reunion photos
with Rick Harne, Executive Director of the MPRA, Military Police Museum Direcprovided by Faye and Peter Schantz (1943-46), and articles and documents from
tor James Rogers and to take a brief tour of the Military Police wing. Members of
the private collections of Ken Harmon (1946-48) and Dolores and SSG Frank De
the Association have donated items to the museum including a framed 793RD Red
Ball Express banner made by Gerta Sherokow, donated by Patricia Borys Brown
Rosa (1942-46). The attendance at this year’s reunion increased 68% over last
and copies of original Red Ball Express “orders of the day” donated by Dolores
year’s, and the Association continues to work to increase the attendance even
and SSG Frank De Rosa.
further next year. We welcome all servicemen and women, Veteran and Active
Following the visit to the museum, the tour continued to the Military Police
and their family members to participate in the Association.
Memorial Grove for the dedication and blessing of newly installed 793RD MemoWe were honored to be joined by multiple 793RDVeterans: Ken Harmon WWII
46-48, Junior Ray Linch WWII 45-46 also active in Nuremburg, Peter Schantz WWII
rial Bench. The bench was dedicated “In Honor of All Who Served December 1942
43-46, Jack Fell 63-65 and two past 793RD Commanders - COL (Retired) Richard
through October 2014” with the motto - “Maintain the Legacy of the Red Ball
Swengros 1980-2015 Germany, COL Stephen Gabavics 1995-present Alaska. The
Express” SSG Frank De Rosa. Thanks to the expertise and advice from Roger Macon
Association also hosted Rick Harne Executive Director of the MPRA, SSG Warren Ses- and Beth Bellerby of the MPRA the beautiful granite bench and tribute was created.
The Association’s members gathered at the sight of the bench and were addressed by 793RD MP BN ASSN Treasurer SSG Joe ReynoldsUSMC. Joe thanked everyone for their contributions making the bench and Association possible. It was
then turned over to COL Gabavics for remarks thanking all who turned out for our
special day. Finally, the ceremony was completed with the prayer and blessing
for all past and present MP, especially those who served in the 793RD Battalion by
the 14th MP Brigade Chaplain, Captain Sneed. We would like to thank everyone
for joining us at the 793RD Military Police Battalion Association 27th Reunion!
In 2016 the United States will be celebrating 75th Anniversary of the Military
Police! The Association Reunion will return to St. Louis during Regimental Week,
September 19 through September 25.
“If you are a former SPARTAN, please consider joining the
Association. We have members from WWII to the most recent
deployments. Let’s Keep the Legacy alive.”
— COL (Retired) Richard Swengros
TET OFFENSIVE
The battle that changed Military Police history
D
assisted with the rescue of George Jacobson, mission coordinator, who was trapped
and unarmed, on the second floor of his
quarters on the embassy grounds, with a
surviving Viet Cong on the ground floor. Jacobson was able to shoot the enemy
with a pistol that Healey had thrown
to him. By 9:15 a.m., the embassy and
grounds were declared secure and all
enemies were killed or captured.
uring the holiday of “Tet,” the
Vietnamese New Year, Viet Cong
infiltrators attacked Saigon in
the pre-dawn hours of Jan. 31, 1968.
Their targets included the Vietnamese Joint General Staff Headquarters,
the Presidential Palace, the American
Embassy, Tan Son Nhut Airport, the
Vietnamese Navy Headquarters, and the
National Broadcasting Station.
The only U.S. unit available in Saigon
was the 716th Military Police Battalion.
The defense of the American Embassy
resulted in the loss of four Army MPs and
one Marine.
Sixteen MPs were killed in an ambush
as they responded to a reported attack on
an officers’ quarters near Tan Son Nhut
airport. In all, the 716th suffered 27 killed
and 44 wounded during the Tet Offensive.
Praise for MPs
MPs at the U.S. Embassy
At 2:47 a.m. on Jan. 31, 1968, Spc.
Charles Daniel and Pfc. William Sebast,
on duty at the side vehicle gate, exchanged fire with the enemy attempting
to enter the compound. The MPs locked
the gate and radioed a warning about an
enemy attack just before an explosion
created a small opening in the 8-foot
tall embassy compound wall near the
eastern corner of the grounds, signaling
the main assault on the embassy by a 20man Viet Cong sapper team. As they entered through the hole, the
first two enemies were killed by Daniel
and Sebast, before they lost their own
lives. Their sacrifice eliminated the sapper leaders and delayed the team’s entry,
allowing a Marine guard to close and
secure the embassy front door.
Just before 3 a.m., an MP vehicle patrol
responded to the embassy, in response to
the initial reports. Sgt. Jonnie Thomas and
Spc. Owen Mebust were ambushed and
killed as they exited their vehicle across the
street from the embassy main entrance.
Attempts to enter the grounds and
land airmobile infantry on the roof
Lt. Frank Ribich Jr., 716th Military Police
Battalion, organized a counter offensive Jan.
31, 1968, to save the U.S. Embassy in Saigon
during the Tet Offensive. His heroism in combat is legendary in the history of the Military
Police Corps. Courtesy photo
failed, although MPs and Marines occupied the Norodom compound portion
of the embassy grounds.
At about 5:30 a.m., Marine Cpl. James
Marshall was killed in the ongoing firefight
with the enemy in the embassy grounds.
The remaining Viet Cong sappers
occupied the embassy grounds, but did
not gain access to the embassy chancery
building.
An MP quick reaction force was organized and dispatched to the embassy,
under the command of 1st Lt. Frank Ribich
and Sgt. Arthur Rivera. They waited until
daybreak to assault the embassy grounds,
at which time, Sgt. John Shook and Pfc.
Paul Healey led the reaction force by driving an MP vehicle into the front gate. Both Shook and Healey subsequently
Military police all throughout South
Vietnam performed admirably in the
defense of the U.S. and allied assets in
response to the Tet Offensive.
For the courageous actions of its
Soldiers in Saigon, and particularly at
the American Embassy, the 716th was
awarded the Presidential Unit Citation.
The effectiveness and dependability
displayed by Army MPs during the Tet
Offensive led to the MP Corps being
recommended and approved as a combat support element, in addition to its
previous designation as a combat service
support element. The conversion from solely logistical
support gave the MP Corps additional
responsibilities and resources to provide
operational combat support.
“These brave men won a costly
change of image for the military police, one for which all past, present and
future members of the Military Police
Corps can justifiably point to with pride
and humility — for this was indeed the
Corps’ finest hour,” said Col. Richard
George, provost marshal, Saigon.
(Editor’s note: Rogers is the U.S. Army Military Police Museum director. This article
was provided as part of the Commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of Vietnam.)
http://www.myguidon.com/index.
php?option=com_content&task=view&id=
19081&Itemid=44
Story by Jim Rogers, Special to GUIDON
Back to School
716th MP BN Dedicates Classrooms During Peacekeeper Week
S
Command Sgt. Maj. John D.
Vicars, the command sergeant
major of the 716th Military
Police Battalion, 101st Airborne
Division Sustainment Brigade,
101st Airborne Division, Paul
Healey, a former Soldier with
the 716th MP Bn., and Lt. Col.
Michael Johnston, 716th MP
Bn. commander, cut the ribbon
officially dedicating the Pfc. Paul
Healey classroom at 716th Bn.
Headquarters at Fort Campbell,
Oct. 22. During a ceremony, the
716th MP Bn. dedicated three
classrooms to former Soldiers
for their valorous actions during
the Tet Offensive, one of the
largest campaigns during the
Vietnam War, in Saigon, Vietnam, Jan. 31, 1968.
oldiers, Families and
friends of the 716th Military Police Battalion,
101st Airborne Division Sustainment Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, recently gathered with members of Boy
Scout Troop 562 of Clarksville
to dedicate classrooms at the
battalion’s headquarters.
Three classrooms were
dedicated to former Soldiers
— 1st Lt. Frank Ribich, with
the 716th MP Bn., Sgt. John
Shook and Pfc. Paul Healey,
both of B Company, 716th MP
Bn. – for their valorous actions in defending the U.S.
Embassy in Saigon during
the Tet Offensive, one of the
largest campaigns during the
Vietnam War on Jan. 31, 1968.
“The significance of this
event in the 716th MP Battalion is to [remember] how
the 716th MP Battalion got the
[nickname], the Saigon Warriors, and held that name for
nearly 30 years up until OIF,
OEF,” said Lt. Col. Michael
Johnston, the commander of
the 716th MP Bn., 101st Abn.
Div. Sust. Bde., during his remarks to those in attendance.
“I am humbled and proud to
be a part of this ceremony
today.”
The former Soldiers these
classrooms were dedicated to
represent the storied tradition of excellence of the 716th
Military Police Battalion. “The 716th MP Battalion
is the most decorated MP
battalion in the Army,” said
Command Sgt. Maj. John D.
Vicars, 716th MP Bn. command sergeant major.
“This is due to the distinct
kind of Soldiers that have
served within the battalion;
Soldiers that since 1942 have
served this nation with valor
and unheard of patriotism.”
The dedication of these
classrooms will help preserve
the history of the 716th MP
Bn. and more, Vicars said.
“Dedicating these three
classrooms today [ensures]
that the legacy of our former
Peacekeepers, the Saigon
Warriors, is maintained, and
we are still able to conduct
training in an ever-changing
environment,” Vicars said.
Members of Boy Scout
Troop 562 were present to witness the ceremony after they
volunteered to assist scout
James M. Smith with his Eagle
Scout project. Smith and
several members from the
troop, with the help of Vicars
and staff of Guenette Arts
and Craft Center, constructed
three framed memorial
plaques, cleaned and set up
the classrooms, printed the
bulletins and installed the
memorials. In addition to completing
his Eagle Scout project, Smith,
the son of Chap. (Capt.) Mark
Smith, 716th MP Bn., was
recognized with the Patriotic
Civilian Service Award for
leading the troop’s volunteer
effort. Scouts Greg Warner
and Tony Warner were also
recognized with Certificates
of Achievement for their contributions.
Former Pfc. Paul Healey,
as well as Family members of
the Soldiers being honored,
assisted in cutting the ribbons
officially opening the classrooms.
“It’s incredible, I’m kind of
beside myself,” Healey said.
“I didn’t realize how big this
was, how much they appreciate what we did. I’m very gracious, very overwhelmed.”
Story by Spc. Joseph Green,
101st Airborne Division
Sustainment Brigade
Family members of former 716th
Military Police Battalion Sgt. John
Shook, and Soldiers with the 716th
MP Bn., 101st Airborne Division Sustainment Brigade, 101st
Airborne Division, view a plaque
presented during a classroom
dedication ceremony held at the
716th MP Bn. headquarters, Oct.
22. The plaques were put together
by scouts from Boy Scout Troop
562 of Clarksville, Tenn., who were
recognized at the dedication for
their efforts. Photos by Sgt. Duncan
Brennan, 101st CAB.
Police
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Applicant must be a standard MPRA member or an
immediate family member of a standard MPRA member.
w w w. M P R A o n l i n e . o r g
BEHIND THE SCENES AT THE MILITARY POLICE MUSEUM H BEHIND THE SCENES AT THE MILITARY POLICE MUSEUM H BEHIND THE SCENE
MP HISTORY HIGHLIGHTS
MP Throwback History
50-year Retrospective from the Military Police Journal.
A selection of odds and ends from the July through December 1965 issues.
ES AT THE MILITARY POLICE MUSEUM H BEHIND THE SCENES AT THE MILITARY POLICE MUSEUM H BEHIND THE SCENES AT THE MILITARY
BEHIND THE SCENES AT THE MILITARY POLICE MUSEUM H BEHIND THE SCENES AT THE MILITARY POLICE MUSEUM H BEHIND THE SCENE
MP HISTORY HIGHLIGHTS
The 1968 Tet Offensive
02
03
01
01. Two views of a military police helmet liner worn by Tet Offensive
veteran William Forrest. It was manufactured sometime between
1955-1963 and features the markings of the 18th MP Brigade and
the 716th MP Battalion.
02. Paul Healey’s Distinguished Service Cross, on display at the
museum.
03. A battlefield relic from the Tet Offensive: a portion of an MP
helmet found after the Tet Offensive at the location of the battle
in the alley near Bachelor Officer’s Quarters #3.
04. A “Type 56” rifle captured by the 18th MP Brigade on 5 February
1968 during the Tet Offensive. This was a Chinese copy of the
AK-47 and was commonly used by the Viet Cong and North
Vietnamese Army. This example features a bullet hole above the
pistol grip.
05. A view of the Tet Offensive exhibit at the Military Police Museum
06. The battle in an alley near Bachelor Officers’ Quarters #3. Military
Policemen, other Soldiers and a South Vietnamese V-100 are
attempting to rescue survivors from the ambushed convoy that
had been carrying an MP quick reaction force.
07. MPs gather to assault the Embassy grounds at dawn.
08. PFC Paul Healey recovering at the Embassy following the action.
Healey was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.
04
05
ES AT THE MILITARY POLICE MUSEUM H BEHIND THE SCENES AT THE MILITARY POLICE MUSEUM H BEHIND THE SCENES AT THE MILITARY
TET OFFENSIVE VETER AN
06
07
John Shook
MP veteran John Shook
passed away 12 May 2015
and was interred at Arlington
National Cemetary. He was
born 21 October 1933 and
served in the U.S. Army for
25 years. He was awarded
the Silver Star for his actions
at the U.S. Embassy during
the 31 January 1968 Tet
Offensive. A portion of
his citation reads: “When
the doors of the embassy
SSG John Shook
compound were opened,
Sergeant Shook led a
charge into the bullet-swept enclosure. Braving enemy fire
and grenades, he moved from position to position within the
courtyard of the embassy, killing Vietcong insurgents with rifle
fire. Sergeant Shook also assisted a trapped embassy officer,
braving open ground to send riot gas grenades to the officer and
then directing his comrade’s fire on the enemy. Sergeant Shook
was awarded the Silver Star in recognition of his ‘fearless and
aggressive efforts’ during the assault at the U.S. Embassy.”
08
John Shook with BG David Phillips at the 2010
opening of the Tet Offensive exhibit at the Military
Police Museum.
MPRA CONNECTION
Military Police Leaders Awarded
Order of the Marechaussee
O
n 29 October, 2015, leaders and Soldiers from United
States Forces Afghanistan (USFOR-A) and the
National Security Justice Development Directorate
(NSJDD) presented The Order of the Marechaussee
to three dedicated and outstanding corrections specialists.
The award ceremony was conducted on the roof top of the
USFOR-A HQ building located adjacent to Bagram Airfield in
Parwan, Afghanistan.
SFC Hodge receiving the Marechaussee from COL Chase
COL Dave L. Chase,Director of the NSJDD) hosted the award
ceremony along with LTC Larry C. Dewey (Deputy Director of
the NSJDD). Military Police Soldiers, CID agents and security
specialists across multiple headquarters attended the ceremony in recognition of these three Soldiers’ great accomplishments and lifetime of service and dedication to the Military
Police Corps. All three award recipients currently serve in the
NSJDD providing training, advice and assistance to the Afghanistan National Detention Facility and Prison in Parwan.
MSG Robert W. Kovacs, SFC Travis C. Hodge and SFC Clayton
E. Dyer each received the Order of the Marechaussee in bronze
for their combined total of over 35 years of service to the Military
Police Corps and over 45 years to the United States Army. Each
recipient served with excellence throughout multiple assignments as corrections specialists and continues to uphold the
high level of proficiency, professionalism and expertise that is
expected out of our senior non-commissioned officer corps.
All three NCOs have served as corrections advisors and subject matter experts in deployed environments to include OEF,
OIF and currently in Operation Resolute Support and Operation Freedom Sentinel. Each NCO also served operationally
in multiple high visibility positions at the Guantanamo Bay
Detention Camp in Cuba. These NCOs have also served with
distinction as correction specialists at Army Corrections facilities across the world to include the United States Disciplinary
Barracks (USDB) located at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. By
their actions, selfless service, and reputation across the Army,
these NCOs epitomize what it means to be a member of the
Military Police Corps.
Award recipients along with Soldiers, team members and security specialist from across USFOR-A
‘Team MPRA’ Takes First in
Division at Army Ten-Miler
T
hey ran in a relatively new and
relatively small division, but Team
MPRA — made up entirely of
Soldiers from Fort Leonard Wood’s 14th
Military Police Brigade — dominated the
competition Oct. 11 at the Army Ten-Miler, held in and around Washington, D.C.
Team MPRA took first place in the First
Responders division with a combined
time of 4 hours, 28 minutes, 28 seconds
— more than an hour ahead of the second
place finishers in the division.
The team was led by Craig Williams,
who finished the course in 1:06:18. He
was followed by Cameron Regur (1:06:31),
Nicholas Davis (1:07:00), Daniel Ulrich
(1:08:39), Colin Lulker (1:12:18), Jerry Andersen (1:12:58), Luis Vega (1:16:54) and
Yasmin Castillo (1:18:11). Team scores
combined the four fastest times.
“The Military Police Regimental Association was kind enough to send us there
to compete, so although the team was
made up of members from the 14th, we
are officially TEAM MPRA,” explained
Col. Naive Knell, 14th Military Police
Brigade commander, who also served as
the team’s coach.
The Army Ten-Miler featured 16 separate divisions for teams, with some of the
more established categories fielding as
many as 50 teams. Knell said this was only
the second year for the First Responder’s
division, which included seven teams.
The members of Team MPRA began
training for the race in July.
“We practiced on Tuesdays and Fridays,” Knell said. “We found and ran all
the hills of Fort Leonard Wood.”
Regur said the first-place win was a
direct result of the rigorous workouts the
team undertook.
“Colonel Knell and the rest of the support staff did a great job of developing a
training plan that got the biggest bang
for its buck,” he said.
During the trip, the 14th MP Bde. Soldiers also took time for some professional-development activities. They attended
briefings at the Capitol, met with Sen.
Claire McCaskill and attended a briefing at the Office of the Provost Marshal
General at the Pentagon.
Davis said the meetings provided
team members with, “a broader context
to the leadership roles we serve here at
Fort Leonard Wood.”
For Ulrich, a German exchange officer
working at the U.S. Military Police School,
the trip was an opportunity to gain insight on the U.S. political process and the
U.S. military’s role in government. However, he said the sheer size of the Army
Ten-Miler, which included more than
30,000 runners, was most impressive.
“The Army Ten-Miler was truly one of
the best things I have done and experienced here in my two-year assignment,”
Ulrich said. “Especially as an officer
from a different nation, I can tell that
an event like this shapes longstanding
memories and friendships.”
The race itself was memorable not
only for the high level of competition,
but also the support runners received,
according to Lulker.
“From start to finish, every mile of
the course had spectators encouraging
the runners as they pushed through the
route,” Lulker said. “It was truly an honor
and a privilege to be able to participate
in such a great event.”
Several of the team members expressed
their appreciation for their leadership and
the MPRA for the opportunity to compete.
“In Pre-Command Course, the
instructors told us to start passing on
things we love about the Army, because
our time is limited. This is one of those
things: It’s a competition and a reunion,
and it celebrates what’s great about our
Army — the people in it,” Knell said.
Regur, who ran the Army Ten-Miler
for the first time, hopes to go back.
“Hopefully, next year (the) MPRA will
be able to send a team out there again to
defend our title,” he said.
Story by Matt Decker
MPRA will select another unit from
the field to represent Team MPRA at
the 2016 annual AUSA Ten Miler held
in Washington, D.C. in October. The
team will be sponsored by MPRA and
will proudly represent our Regimental
Association and its members at this
world class competition. Each team
member must be an active member of
MPRA. This is an excellent opportunity
to show the rest of the Army your
unit’s pride in our great Regiment and
our outstanding Association. If your
unit is interested in nominating a team
for MPRA sponsorship please contact
Mr. Rick Harne, Executive Director, at
[email protected]
Fort Leonard Wood Military
Police Support Special Olympics
M
“
There is
tremendous
enthusiasm
and support for
Special Olympics
not only on Fort
Leonard Wood
but throughout
entire state.”
embers of the Fort Leonard Wood
Military Police community and
a representative from the MPRA
National Board of Directors attended the 2016 Special Olympics Missouri Law
Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) kick-off event
in December. The event was two-fold; to kick
off the 2016 campaign and to recognize top performers for 2015.
First, on the grand scale, since
its inception in 1986 Missouri has
raised over 26 million dollars. In
2015 they raised $2,397,164.00 which
ranks #6 internationally. Closer to
home the FLW MPs, members of the
6th Region, swept all awards for their
region. Raising close to $13,000.00
they took home Agency of the Year award for
the second consecutive year. They also received
recognition for the Greatest Increase in Gross
Dollars from 2014 to 2015 with an increase of
$8,498.00 and for Greatest Percentage Increase
with an increase of 233% from 2014. And to
top it off our Regional Director, LT Steve Davis,
Missouri State Highway Patrol, Troop I our of
Rolla received the annual John Michael Letz
Award which is awarded to that person that
possesses the spirit of the Special Olympics,
and goes beyond the call of duty for Torch Run
efforts and never expects anything in return.
So you can see there is tremendous enthusiasm
and support for Special Olympics not only on Fort Leonard
Wood but throughout entire
state. The MPRA assisted in
this fundraising effort by
helping to coordinate with
different restaurants in the
local area to host a night and
a percentage of the proceeds from the designated
night’s sales to be donated
to the Special Olympics of
Missouri. Partners such
as Colton’s Steak House &
Grill, Panera Bread, and
Culvers just to name a few.
Making 2015 such a success was the Torch
Run held in May that had over 1,000 runners
with 950 from FLW alone. Represented were
Soldiers and civilians from the USAMPS, the
14th MP Bde, the 92nd MP Bn, the NCOA, and the
Garrison Command. It was a remarkable site
to see the entire formation running down Iowa
Ave being led by the Post CG, MG Savre. None of
this was possible without tremendous support
from senior leaders at all levels and the support
of the MPRA.
A few facts about the LETR. The LETR is a
unique project that partners law enforcement
with Special Olympics. What started in Kansas
as a one-day run has now expanded to include
48 countries and a year-round fundraising
program. The term “Torch Run” is a little misleading of the true efforts of law enforcement
throughout Missouri. It is more than just running a torch across the state to the State Summer Games in May. It is an active year-round
campaign. Officers representing every branch
of law enforcement work within their local
communities to raise both money and awareness for Special Olympics Missouri. The LETR
is the largest year-round grassroots fundraising
event benefiting Special Olympics.
The 2016 campaign will get started with a
Polar Plunge in March and then the LETR in
May. The FLW MPs and the MPRA are looking
forward to another successful year working
with law enforcement throughout the state in
support of Special Olympics Missouri.
By Mr. Dave Ross, Basic Military Police Training
Division, Fort Leonard Wood, MO
The MPRA Develops a Strategic Marketing Plan
A
round this time of year, marketing and branding is at its
best. Think of the feeling you get when you see the CocaCola polar bears or Budweiser’s Clydesdale horses. Those
are iconic symbols of a brand that typically evoke memories and
feelings you may have toward those brands. These companies,
and many more, have mastered the art of branding and marketing. Our goal in 2016 is to do the same thing for MPRA.
Many times marketing and branding is seen as an unneeded
extra, but putting together a concise, strategic marketing plan is
anything but a waste of money. Here are the top three reasons
we feel it is important for us to undertake this large project:
1. The plan will allow us to maximize precious resources
and achieve a high return on our investment.
2. We will create a consistent look and feel so that when
anyone in the MP Regiment or in the entire Army sees our
crest, they will know who we are and what we stand for.
3. We will streamline our marketing efforts. Initially, we
will put a great deal of time and effort into this strategy
and plan, but in the long run the plan will make it easier
on everyone – staff, volunteers, and our members.
As MPRA prepares to celebrate the regiment’s 75th birthday
in 2016, we will be introducing a new branding and marketing
strategy with the primary goal being to expand the size of our
organization in order to reach more Military Police Soldiers.
Earlier this year you provided us with feedback on a short
survey that we sent out via email. We appreciate the time
you took to answer those questions and to provide us with
your thoughts and feelings on our organization. That feedback directly helped us develop our marketing goals and
strategy for 2016.
“We had almost 800 responses to the survey we sent out
earlier this year and we heard from all ranks and ages. We can’t
say thanks enough for the time many of you spent and the insightful feedback we received from the survey responses,” said
MPRA President Dorsey Newcomb.
Currently, we are in the process of writing a marketing strategy that will be presented to the MPRA Senior Advisory Council
in January. Our primary goal is to increase MPRA membership.
Currently, we have set two strategies to achieve that goal:
1. Increase membership renewals by 35% overall (a 1015% increase compared to the renewal rate in 2015) by
December 31, 2016.
2. Remain the premier, professional organization that
provides support to all Military Police Soldiers, Family
Members, and Retirees.
Our marketing committee has much more work to do, but
we hope that by sharing our progress and continuing to keep
you all updated on what we are doing and wha t we have accomplished that you will be able to be a part of this process
and provides us with feedback along the way. If you have any
thoughts, comments, or questions, please contact Beth Bellerby
at: [email protected].
My Country
By SGM(R) Gilbert Verbist
America! America!
My heart beats out to thee.
You’ve blessed us with Abundance,
And the land of Liberty.
You may have lost some battles
and a few ships on the high sea,
But You’ve never lost a war America,
You’re the symbol of Victory.
You also went through Kora and
the Vietnam era,
Both were considered by many,
to be an American nightmare.
Yet, these were no reason to give
some men the right
to burn your colors and refuse
to fight.
You are the bastion of democracy
With the Statue of Liberty
Standing in New York Harbor
Waving proudly, We are free.
In the poppy fields of Flanders,
In the punch bowl of Hawaii,
The National Cemeteries of this Nation
Rest Your brave that kept us free.
Your Bunker Hills, Gettysburgs,
Shilohs, Alamos,
Pearl Harbor on to Japan
D-Day to V-E Day,
Were long hard bridges to span.
The fifties and sixties
Really hurt you from within.
You lost great Americans like the
Kennedys and Dr King
Slain by fanatics, filled with hate
and sin.
But you won them all America
With your colors flying high,
You’ve shown at the time your enemies,
That our Democracy will never die.
I saw you bleed and stagger,
Wiping tear drops from your eyes
I’ll fight for you America
I know You’ll never die.
We know You’re not perfect, America,
And this we won’t deny,
There was only one perfect being
And on a cross He had to die.
America! America!
My heart beats out for thee
I live for You, America
And I’d die to keep You free.
SGM(R) Gilbert Verbist was posthumously inducted into the MP Hall of Fame in September 2015. His son Ripcord Verbist read this poem during the induction ceremony.
Celebrate The 75th Anniversary of the MP Corps in 2016
Plan Your Military Reunion
at Fort Leonard Wood, MO
Experienced specialists can
assist with many aspects of
the planning process:
Assistance with lodging and catering bids
Free customized “outside the gate”
itinerary planning
Resource procurement
* The 2016 RMPOA Reunion will be at
Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri to coincide
with the 75th anniversary of the
US Army Military Police Corps.
PulaskiCountyUSA.com/Reunions
Contact us for FREE assistance with your
Military Reunion at Ft. Leonard Wood
Pulaski County Tourism Bureau
877.858.8687
Military Police Regimental Association
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
PLEASE PRINT LEGIBLY
❏ New Member
❏ Renewal
❏ Change of Address
Rank / Title / MR / MRS / MS_________________________________________________________________________________
Name_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Address______________________________________________________________________________________________
City, State, Zip__________________________________________________________________________________________
Phone _____________________________________________________ Fax_______________________________________
Non-Military Email______________________________________________________________________________________
Military Occupational Specialty (MOS)
❏ Retired
❏ Active Duty
❏ 31A/95A
❏ National Guard
❏ 31B/95B
❏ 31D/95D
❏ Reserve
❏ 31E/95C
❏ 311A
❏ 31K
❏ Other_______________________________________________
Local Chapter Affiliation (if desired)_____________________________________________________________________________
Affiliated ❏ Fort Hood, TX ❏ Golden State, CA ❏ Ozark, FLW, MO
Chapter: ❏ Fort Lewis, WA ❏ Hoosier, IN
❏ Pikes Peak, CO
❏ Fort Polk, LA
❏ Ft. Bliss, TX
❏ Ft. Riley, KS
❏ Mile High,
Denver, Co
❏ Rhode Island
❏ Yellowhammer, AL
❏ Nashville, TN
MPRA MEMBERSHIP
PERIOD
COST
❏ 1 Year ..................................................... $25.00
❏ 3 Years .................................................... $60.00
❏ 5 Years .................................................... $90.00
❏ 10 Years ................................................ $160.00
❏ Lifetime................................................ $300.00
Become a MPRA member for life!
❏ LIFETIME OPTION
Pay three equal installments of $100.00 per
month. Certificate, Membership Card and Coin will
be sent upon final payment.
Membership benefits...
4 Pride in being a part of your professional organization
4 10% discount in our Military Police Gift Shop and online at
www.mpraonline.org
4 Receive quarterly issues of the Dragoon Magazine
4 Receive a discount at select colleges; University of Phoenix and
Allied American University
4 Member dues help MPs in need through our Benevolent Fund
4 Support the Military Police Legacy through our MP Museum
and Memorial Grove with a portion of your dues
DONATE TO THE MPRA
The MPRA is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a tax exempt, non for
profit organization, under section 501(c)3. Please reference the Federal ID number
63-0870616 for your filing records. Each donation over $100.00 will receive a
certificate of appreciation for your sincere generosity to the MPRA Legacy Programs.
Payment Information:
❏ Enclosed is a check/money order in the amount of $__________________
Check #____________________
❏ Bill my credit card. VISA____ MC____ Amount $_________________
#__________________________________ Exp_____________
Signature_____________________________________________
Purchase your membership online!
www.MPRAonline.org
Mail: MPRA Membership
Box 2182, Ft. Leonard Wood, MO 65473
Fax: 573-329-5317
Phone: 573-329-5317 or 573-329-6772
For Office Use Only: APPROVED: YES / NO
MEMBERSHIP #_______________________________________________________
EXPIRATION DATE_____________________________________________________
BILL ME OPTION: ______1st of the Month ______15th of the Month
________________________ Month
________________________ Month
O N E B R I C K P U R C HA S E P E R PAG E
FOR OFFICE USE
ONLY
ORDER #________________
Military Police Regimental Walkway
BRICK ORDER FORM
BRICK STYLE #1
DIRECTIONS:
1. Choose Brick Style you want to order.
2. Fill out appropriate box. Please check spelling carefully.
3. If choosing a ‘Customized Symbol’ be sure to include a printed
copy with your disk.
4. Fill out ORDERING INFORMATION and send this form along
with a check or money order for the full amount.
Date:_____________________________________________________
BRICK STYLE ORDERED: ❏ 1
❏ 2
$50 (Members) $75 (Non-Members)
❏ Crossed Pistols
❏ KIA Logo
Line 1
Line 2
BRICK STYLE #2
❏ 3
8” x 8” with Crossed Pistols, WIA, KIA or MIA Logo
1 Logo / 5 Print Lines
16 characters per line (Including spaces)
$330 (Members Receive 10% Discount )
Name:____________________________________________________
Address:___________________________________________________
City, State, Zip: _______________________________________________
4” x 8” with Crossed Pistols or KIA Logo
1 Logo Line / 2 Print Lines
❏ Crossed Pistols ❏ WIA ❏ KIA ❏ MIA
Line 1
Phone:________________________ Fax:_________________________
Email:_____________________________________________________
Line 2
Line 3
I WANT A REPLICA BRICK!
Additional cost for replica brick: 4x8 brick.....$25 8x8 brick.....$50
(Only available with purchase of brick for Walkway.)
Line 4
Shipping Information: (No P.O. Boxes) ❏ Use address above
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
❏ Enclosed is a check/money order
in the amount of $___________
Check # ___________
Make checks payable to:
MPRA
Box 2182
Line 5
BRICK STYLE #3
(Members Receive 10% Discount )
❏ Bill my credit card. VISA____ MC____
❏ CUSTOMIZED SYMBOL ________________
#______________________________________Exp____________
____________________________________
Signature ______________________________________________
Proof of Military Police Corps Service is required.
Line 1
Non-MPRA Members Receive a Free 1 Year Membership
with purchase of a brick.
Line 2
SPECIAL GROUPINGS AVAILABLE
Line 3
Certain restrictions apply. Call for details.
Line 4
Examples: Units, Campaigns, Organizations, Associations
www.mpraonline.org
8” x 8” CUSTOMIZED
1 Large Logo / 4 Print Lines
$330 + Custom Set-up Fee
H
Every order receives a Certificate of Purchase
from the President of the MPRA!
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: 573-329-6772 / 573-329-5317 / 573-434-9642
H
years of service to our
military community
At University of Phoenix, we’re proud to support our nation’s military
by doing what we do best — offering convenient class times and
schedules near select military installations so servicemembers and
their families can earn their degrees while fulfilling their duties.
Make a difference in your future.
314.803.2954 | phoenix.edu/mil
While widely available, all programs may not be offered at all locations or in both online and on-campus formats. Please check with a University Enrollment Advisor. No Federal or Marine Corps
endorsement of advertisers or sponsors is implied. University of Phoenix is an accredited university and longtime member of Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC). The University’s
Central Administration is located at 1625 W. Fountainhead Pkwy., Tempe, AZ 85282. Online Campus: 3157 E. Elwood St., Phoenix, AZ 85034. Tennessee: Memphis Campus: 65 Germantown Court,
Ste. 100, Cordova, TN 38018; Nashville Campus: 616 Marriott Dr., Ste. 150, Nashville, TN 37214; Chattanooga Campus: 1208 Pointe Centre Dr., Chattanooga, TN 37421. Clarksville Learning Center:
141 Chesapeake Dr., Clarksville, TN 37040; Murfreesboro Learning Center: 2615 Medical Center Pkwy., Murfreesboro, TN 37129.
© 2013 University of Phoenix, Inc. All rights reserved. | MIL-01837
Military Police
Regimental Association
P.O. Box 2182
www.MPRAonline.org
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