Preparing For Deployment To Afghanistan
Soldiers of the 164th Military Police Company, 793rd Military
Police Battalion, 3rd Maneuver Enhancement Brigade conducted squad
training the past two weeks at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson,
Alaska, to prepare for an upcoming deployment to Afghanistan. Much
of the training centered around the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter,
provided by the Alaska Army National Guard. The unit rehearsed such
tasks as loading and unloading, securing landing zones, reacting to
small arms fire and sniper attacks, roadside bombings and
rocket-propelled grenade attacks.
U.S. Army Photo
It wasn't all flying in helicopters though. The Soldiers walked
more than 26 miles on foot patrols during the two weeks of
training. "This training provides a realistic approach to real
world events," Sgt 1st Class Lawrence Garcia, 164th Military Police
tactical operations sergeant said. "You have to stay motivated.
Motivation will get you through anything."
On the last day of the exercise, after and eight-mile ruck march
with three inches of snow beneath their boots, that motivation kept
the Soldiers in tune with their mission. "The intent was to have
the Soldiers worn out and disoriented by the time the Black Hawk
arrived," Garcia said. As the Black Hawk landed, its rotors washing
wind and snow over anyone and anything beneath it, the adrenaline
started to kick into action. The Soldiers didn't know what to
expect when they dismounted.
"The snow was up to my thighs," said Staff Sgt. James Brown, 3rd
Platoon, 164th MP Company. "I could barely walk through all of that
snow. The MPs hit the ground rolling, established security and
communication as they prepared to maneuver through the snow and icy
training lanes. Brown called out to his Soldiers, "Before we enter
the lanes, everyone take a knee and hydrate. Everyone keep your
eyes and ears open."
U.S. Army Photo
The training was good preparation for combat, according to one
Soldier. "The best thing about the training is that the squad
leaders can get the feel of their squads and lead them through
combat safely," said Spc. Zachery Martinez, who played the role of
an insurgent during the training, 545th MP Company. "They learn
what their weaknesses and strong points are so they can adjust
fire."
The event provided valuable training to the National Guard
aviators as well, according to one MP officer. "Doing a combined
mission with the Alaska National Guard and the 164th MP Co., takes
coordination," 1st Lt. Jared Budenski, HHD, 793rd MP Bn said. "Not
only did the 164th complete their mission, but the Alaska National
Guard assisted in completing their training requirements as
well."