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411th MPs prepare for war

Mar 7, 2011

By Spc. Candace Le

Soldiers of the 411th Military Police Company, 720th MP Battalion, 89th MP Brigade conducted a culminating training exercise from Feb. 17-21 at MOUT site Boaz, here in preparation for their upcoming deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

With observational support from the 720th MP Bn. and brigade headquarters, the company was able to complete 18 road to war tasks in a few days such as tactical convoys, performing host nation police training, conducting an attack.

"First, we trained on the team and squad level so that we could validated by platoons as a company," said Capt. Christian Blevins, 411th MP Co. commander. "Brigade and battalion set up the lanes and evaluated us."

The overall mission for this training event was to promote the capabilities of the Afghan National Police, foster the rule of law and promote the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan legitimacy in the eyes of the local populace.

"Through the use of role players, we were able to practice training the host nation on how to do key leader engagements and joint check points, which is what we'll be doing down-range," Blevin said.

The numerous drills and rehearsals during the CTE will help as their mission for Afghanistan is currently the same.

"They went from performing law enforcement on Hood to doing tactical warfare," Blevins said about the 411th. "Overall, it's given the platoons confidence in their tactical proficiencies. It also gives confidence in leadership that they will perform well down range."

Their final mission was to complete the tactical task conducting a raid at the company level, in which the 411th was to obtain three high volume targets. An HVT could be anywhere from an arms dealer, trainer or even leader of the enemy. The three platoons conducted thorough rehearsals before finalizing their plan of attack and heading into the danger area.

Communication was constant and Soldiers quickly maneuvered through the area while adjusting to split second changes. When a leader would fall, another would step up in his or her place in order to continue the mission. Battalion leaders watching noticed their impressive skills on the urban battlefield.

"You guys really rocked that," Maj. Matt Allison, 720th MP Bn. operation officer in charge, said following the final exercise. "You should be fired up, because that was awesome."

Maj. Anthony Tangeman, Fort Hood's Department of Emergency Services deputy provost marshall, also noted on their success due to the multiple, detailed rehearsals and battle drills practiced before the mission. "Making that mental muscle move will make you successful."

Next, their company commander spoke of the admiration he has for his unit.

"Grizzlies, you did an outstanding job," Blevins said. "I couldn't be more proud of you. The speed at which you executed had me in awe."

The company's after action review was wrapped up by the battalion commander and his one piece of advice for their upcoming deployment, which every Soldier shouted like a war cry.

"When you get down range, survive the initial contact with the enemy and quickly return the favor," Lt. Col. Eric Brunken, 720th MP Bn. commander said. "411th, good job."

The Soldiers let out a thunderous "Hooah!" as they are now officially ready for war.

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