Pages
Stay In Touch
More
© 2013 KentuckyGuard
Story by Sgt. 1st Class Rebecca Wood, 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade Public Affairs
Sgt. 1st Class Jacque Hayes, an instructor from the 198th Military Police Battalion, demonstrates the proper use of oleoresin capsicum spray as part of the law enforcement certification. Hayes conducted OC spray certification and contamination on all of the 1103rd MP DET Soldiers so they can meet the Law Enforcement Council requirements. (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Sgt. First Class Emily Cooper)
RICHMOND, Ky. – The Kentucky National Guard’s 198th Military Police Battalion conducted annual training in June at three vastly different training areas in an effort to maintain its legacy as a highly skilled and trained fighting force.
According to Maj. Tim Starke, battalion commander of the Louisville, Kentucky-based unit, each of the six companies trained at the platoon level to ensure overall readiness to conduct mobility support, policing and detention operations.
“It’s important for Soldiers to know field-craft and to not only survive, but also successfully conduct their mission while living out of their trucks and rucksacks,” said Starke. “The return to self-sufficiency in the field using organic military assets versus (units) relying on built-up infrastructure and contractor support results in Soldiers who can overcome adversity caused by inclement weather, sleep deprivation and continuous operations.”
Medics under the 617th Military Police Company conducts first aid at a Casualty Collection Point while under attack during a training exercise at Camp Atterbury, Indiana. This type of training conveys the concept of tactically immersed training for the Soldiers (Photo courtesy of 198th Military Police Battalion)
Mission Command
Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 198th MP, 223rd MP Company, 617th MP Company and 940th MP Company conducted command support and mobility operations at Camp Atterbury, Indiana.
The exercise simulated theater-opening operations, where platoons and squads focused on: route reconnaissance, route signing, convoy security, operating hasty detainee holding areas and conducting access control and base defense without support from a forward operating base.
This was 1st Lt. Christopher Mostek’s first AT with the 223rd MPs, and as a brand new platoon leader, he said the training “forced me out of my comfort zone.”
“It empowered me as a new platoon leader and helped me to get to know my Soldiers,” he said.
Mostek said the high intensity training and sleep deprivation made the training even more austere and realistic.
“When you are training like that, it pushes you to that point of exhaustion, but you keep going because you are part of a team,” he said. “My Soldiers maintained a positive attitude despite some tremendous adversity.”
Mother Nature didn’t cooperate with the MPs, dumping rain on the exercise for nearly a week.
“This is the first AT we’ve had where, for six-plus days, you only have your truck or a cover to sleep in,” said Spc. Alex Huesman, 2nd Platoon, 940th MP Company. “It rained almost every day so we were constantly facing the elements. I was miserable but it was great training.”
Huesman said the realistic scenarios – including the opposing forces (OPFOR) – added to the overall experience.
“The environment was realistic,” he said, “with legit ECP (entry control points) spots, OPFOR raids breaking through our ECPs in the middle of the night (and) 360-degree security.
“We had really good leadership involved in our training,” he said. “They were out there in the elements with us; and immediately after every mission we did a platoon or company-wide after action review. It made me feel real confident in my unit.”
Soldiers from the 1103rd Military Police Detachment receive a mission brief before they pull security for the annual Fort Knox Morale, Welfare and Recreation Concert on June 13, 2015. This mission, working side by side with active duty MPs, will certify them to work in a Law and Order capacity if activated (Photo courtesy of 1103rd Military Police Detachment)
Law and Order
The Louisville-based 1103rd MP Company’s law and order mission requires law enforcement certifications regularly. The Kentucky Guardsmen partnered with the 34th Military Police Detachment and the Fort Knox Department of Emergency Services to validate certifications.
“When you initially enlist as a MP, this is what you think you will be doing –traffic stops, enforcing the law, things a police officer does but on a base,” said Spc. Dakota Dockery. “So the best thing about this training is actually going out with the active duty Fort Knox MPs. It is a great learning experience.”
An active-shooter scenario provided some of the 1103rd’s leaders, who are also civilian law enforcement officers when not drilling with the Guard, the ability to teach younger Soldiers the best practices for responding to active shooters.
“I personally liked moving through different scenarios in this closed-down school armed with paint rounds,” said Dockery. “It was awesome responding to the different situations and seeing how they played out.”
Detention Operations
The Murray, Kentucky-based 438th MP Company also worked side-by-side with its active duty counterparts at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. More than 100 Soldiers joined the 15th MP Brigade to conduct military corrections operations inside the United States Disciplinary Barracks.
The 438th MP Company’s first platoon leader, 2nd Lt. Hallie Freeman was one of the liaisons between the company and the Fort Leavenworth MP trainers.
“We tried to make it more of a right seat left seat,” said Freeman, “so that our less experienced Soldiers could see what it would be like to work detainee operations, how the guards and inmates interact, understand the struggles and hardships of being a guard and to see proper reaction times of situations that happen in the prison.”
Freeman said the Soldiers rotated through and shadowed the active duty guards while conducting random searches, observing the prison’s activities through the control room, and operating switches and video cameras; they also got experience monitoring the housing units, control points, individual cells and work details such as the barbershop or woodshop. After watching her Soldiers gain confidence in their training, she said there is a tremendous difference in their abilities.
“Before AT and if a deployment came up, I would say we weren’t ready,” said Freeman, “but after me and my guys worked at this facility, I would say now we are 100 percent ready to go.”
Conclusion
Starke said while the battalion doesn’t have the time or funding to train all units on each discipline every year during AT, they do have the ability to cross-train units using their subject-matter experts on each discipline and its associated tasks during drill weekends.
“We plan to leverage our junior NCOs and junior officers to build knowledge and capabilities across the battalion,” said Starke.
Starke also said they definitely plan on doing more ATs like this in the future.
“Soldiers of the Thoroughbred Battalion were fully engaged every minute of the AT period doing what they signed up to do—work within their MOS, whether that be MP, Cook, Mechanic, Admin Clerk or Medic,” said Starke. “Despite some difficult conditions, morale was high and leaders were far more proficient at the end than they were on first day of AT.”
Story by Sgt. 1st Class Rebecca Wood, 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade
First Lt. Samuel Boulet, a battle captain in the 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade main tactical operations center, monitors reports and email during a 72-hour Command Post Exercise June 21-23 at Camp Atterbury, Indiana. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. First Class Rebecca Wood)
CAMP ATTERBURY, Ind. — Soldiers of the 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade conducted a 72-hour Command Post Exercise (CPX) from June 21-23 at Camp Atterbury, Indiana. The units participating in the CPX were the Headquarters Company, 206th Engineer Battalion, 198th Military Police Battalion, 149th Battle Support Brigade and the 129th Signal Company. The main portion of the brigade started training on June 11 for the actual exercise.
The 198th MP Battalion’s operation officer, Maj. Brandon McNeese, was in charge of the battalion’s tactical operation center. He said the 198th also conducted main supply route patrols and convoy security for other elements in the brigade; but the main takeaway was to get back to the field craft training the Army was skilled at before 9/11.
“The overall mission was to come into a theater to set up operations in an austere environment,” said McNeese. “Years ago, before 9/11, we had training like this, but with a lot less assets. It was supposed to be like the beginning of a war, where there is nothing set up and we are initially moving in. We have gotten used to rolling into a forward operations base with established command posts and living areas, and cover down on equipment from other units.”
McNeese said this training was very helpful, especially to his soldiers who weren’t around before the War on Terror.
“For some of the newer soldiers, this is a very new experience because they never trained like this,” said McNeese, “but they have adapted very well. We had several shortfalls, but their morale and motivation kept them going and we pushed through and accomplished the mission.
“That’s not me,” said 1st Lt. Samuel Boulet, a current operations battle captain for the CPX, while looking around the TOC for the source of the ringing he heard. “Where is that phone?” Boulet barely had a moment to himself, while reports were populating on the Command Post of the Future (CPOF) and phones were ringing off the hook.
As a battle captain, Boulet’s job was to direct the flow of information and resources from the ground and the different sections in the brigade. He said this exercise was to test the brigade’s staff functions and prepare the Soldiers for a warfighter training exercise scheduled in 2016.
“It’s very energizing,” said Boulet. “You feel very plugged into everything that is going on around you.”
On a deployment to Iraq in 2010, Boulet actually worked as a battle captain on a company and battalion level, but he said he learned a lot from this CPX training.
“We did a large bridge gap of knowledge as a team, executing battle drills, tracking info and reports, communicating through missions, and mitigating crises when they happened,” said Boulet. “I wish I had this training before that deployment.”
One administrative specialist, Spc. Brooklynd Decker has been in the 206th Engineer Battalion for five years and was the sole human resources rep for the battalion’s operations center during the CPX. She said she was nervous to be in charge of her section, but felt honored to take on such an important role.
“It meant a lot to me and it was really good for morale, because everyone was important to the operation and had a serious job to do. Sometimes it was difficult to make quick decisions when the pressure was on and I had to communicate with my battle captain on a lot of things,” said Decker. “But overall I felt comfortable in my position, and I knew it was meant to be a learning experience -and I learned a lot.”
Decker and her peers were also enthusiastic about learning battle-tracking systems like CPOF and Joint Combat and Tactical Simulation, because of how they streamline communication between the battalion and the brigade.
“The battalion was so involved in brigade operations, more then we have ever experienced in the past and it gave us all a view of the bigger picture,” said Decker.
“The quality of this training could not have been captured in a short drill weekend. The timing for this type of exercise was perfect and I feel like we should do more exercises like this in the future.”
Story by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Kentucky Army National Guard 1st Lt. William Bland (center) performs during the 2015 U.S. Army Soldier Show’s opening weekend at the Fort Sam Houston Theatre in San Antonio. The musically-inclined Louisville-native serves as the personnel officer with the 198th Military Police Battalion. (U.S. Army photo by Tim Hipps, IMCOM Public Affairs)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Since 1983 talented Soldiers have had the opportunity to share their artistry with the Nation as part of the U.S. Army Soldier Show. This year the Kentucky National Guard’s 1st Lt. William Bland earned a spot in the nationally-touring production.
A native of Louisville, Kentucky, Bland serves as the personnel officer for the 198th Military Police Battalion. When he’s not in uniform Bland likes to perform at clubs, festivals, benefits and wherever he can to gain exposure and experience.
Kentucky National Guard 1st Lt. William Bland’s promotional photo for the 2015 U.S. Army Soldier Show. The tour opened in San Antonio, Texas, in April and runs through October. (Image courtesy of IMCOM)
“It is truly a once in a life time opportunity,” he said. “Being a part of the U.S. Army Soldier Show and seeing all that goes into a big production and being a part of all of it has definitely opened my eyes to a world of opportunities after this.”
Click here for more photos.
Bland is one of three Guardsmen performing in the tour. He is joined by Louisiana Army National Guard Sgt. Neasha Powell of Shreveport and Idaho Army National Guard Sgt. Andrew Enriquez of Coeur d’Alene.
Bland’s journey to the show began like that of hundreds of other Soldiers around the country in the form of an audition tape and packet submitted to Army Entertainment, a program of Morale, Welfare and Recreation that runs the Soldier Show. He called the audition process a long and stressful one, but made the cut to try out in person and flew to Fort Sam Houston, Texas where the hard work began.
“Audition week culminated with a live performance of the choreography and the vocal number that we learned throughout the week, and a piece we each prepared on our own. On February 16, 2015 the cast was selected and narrowed down to a total of 18 members, and that was the day the dream became reality.”
Kentucky Army National Guard 1st Lt. William Bland of Louisville performs during the 2015 U.S. Army Soldier Show’s opening weekend at the Fort Sam Houston Theatre in San Antonio. (U.S. Army photo by Tim Hipps, IMCOM Public Affairs)
As one of 18 performers, Bland will travel the country for shows in a scheduled 40-stop tour. An experience he said “couldn’t be a better way to use my passion to impact the lives of others in a positive way.”
Music entered Bland’s life at an early age. He said he still remembers when his older brother taught him about freestyling and how he was finally able to step out of his shell and attend open mic nights as a student at Union College. Influenced by Eminem and Michael Jackson, Bland keeps an open mind musically and pulls inspiration from as many other musicians as possible.
He first saw the Soldier Show while he was in basic training and left with a great motivation and pride in being a Soldier. As he got more serious with his own music and more into his Guard career, the idea of combining the two became a perfect fit.
“I thought it would be amazing to share what I love to do and to give Soldiers that same motivation and purpose that was given to me when I saw the show.”
Initially enlisting to help pay for college, Bland quickly realized a “greater purpose” in uniform and commissioned as an officer through ROTC. Rising through the ranks, he has earned the respect of his unit and leadership, who are proud to be his cheerleaders during the tour.
“While we will miss his services in 198th MP Battalion, we couldn’t be more excited and proud to have one of our own representing the battalion, the 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade and the Kentucky National Guard in this very prestigious program,” said Maj. Timothy Starke, commander of the 198th. “We hope to have a large turn out to support 1st Lt. Bland when the show comes to Kentucky this year.”
Kentucky Army National Guard 1st Lt. William Bland of Louisville presents Sgt. Darius Riggins of Fort Gordon, Georgia, a U.S. flag during the Gold Star segment of the 2015 U.S. Army Soldier Show’s opening weekend at the Fort Sam Houston Theatre in San Antonio. (U.S. Army photo by Tim Hipps, IMCOM Public Affairs)
According to the U.S. Army, “entertainment for the Soldier, by the Soldier” has been a part of the U.S. Army’s heritage since 1774. Building on the tradition of Civil War camp shows, and more known military shows “Yip Yip Yaphank” during World War I and “This Is The Army” during World War II written and directed by then Sgt. Irving Berlin, Army Entertainment was formalized to inspire, support and coordinate theatrical and musical programs at Army installations worldwide.
Bland said his routine with the show has included a lot of hard work, many 16 plus hour days and has been physically and mentally exhausting, but he wouldn’t change a thing,
“A dream can only come true if you are willing to do the work necessary to make it come true. But success is worth the sacrifice. When you are faced with a challenge just tell yourself, ‘Easy’s never worked for me!'”
The Soldier Show is a 90-minute high-energy top ‘40s and classics show, and it’s free!. It makes two stops in Kentucky during the 2015 tour: July 29-30 at Fort Knox, and Aug. 2-3 at Fort Campbell.
Story by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Pvt. Demitri Ray and Sgt. Andrew Harmon provide security for the Kentucky Derby Trophy at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., May 2, 2015. The seven Soldiers assigned to the trophy detail were among more than 200 Guardsmen on duty for the weekend events. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — After 79 years, the Kentucky Guard knows a thing or two about assisting the City of Louisville with the security of the Kentucky Derby. Since 1936, the commonwealth’s Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen have been involved with the colossal task of ensuring the safety of more than 250,000 spectators at the Kentucky Oaks and Derby weekend. That tradition continued for the 141st running of the historic races at Churchill Downs, May 1-2.
“We’ve done this so many times it’s like automatic for us,” said Capt. Brandon Davisson, commander of the 617th Military Police Company. “The weekend has gone very smooth and I know Louisville Metro (Police Department) is happy to have us here.”
Pvt. Matthew Sturgill with the 198th Military Police Battalion assists with pedestrian traffic outside Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., May 2, 2015. More than 100 Guardsmen were tasked with assisting local law enforcement with traffic flow around the track during the weekend. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
More than 200 Guardsmen took their usual stance in the streets around the track directing traffic and securing pedestrian gates inside as record numbers of spectators jammed Churchill Downs. Soldiers and Airmen were also on hand for security in the winners circle and a select few were tasked with guarding the Kentucky Derby Trophy.
Click here for more photos.
Of the roughly 200 Citizen-Soldiers, a good number of them were working their first Derby. Davisson said the 198th’s history of working the Derby has provided a wealth of experience that has been passed on from NCOs to younger Soldiers to continue the success of the operations.
Among the new faces at the track was 2nd Lt. Sarah Powell who, even as a freshly appointed MP officer, served as officer-in-charge of security.
“My role is a small one, but there are so many big pieces that go into this operation, there’s the community piece, the interagency cooperation and there’s our own inner workings to ensure leaders and subordinates know what they need to get the job done,” she said. “This allows us to grow together and to develop our own style of working the Derby for future success, but right now, it’s business as usual.”
Staff Sgt. Christopher King assembles the Kentucky Derby Trophy at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., May 2, 2015. In the spotlight all weekend, the trophy detail was tasked with the security of the “priceless” trophy. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
Pvt. Demitri Ray with the 617th was working his first Derby and was selected for the trophy detail that secured the “priceless” Kentucky Derby Trophy. He has only been with his unit since August of 2014, but his NCOs said Ray is among the best of the new recruits into the company, a reason he was chosen to assist with the prestigious assignment.
“I feel like I have the best duty here,” he said. “It tells me I’m earning the respect of my unit and motivates me to keep working hard and earn leadership assignments and further my career as a MP.”
Ray and the other six Soldiers escorting the trophy were certainly in the spotlight of the weekend, but 198th leadership said each Soldiers on duty represented years of hard work to create such a polished undertaking.
Powell said the ability to be a part of the big picture is a great benefit to the Soldiers and the units in the commonwealth.
“It’s interesting because you get to several levels up of operation which you don’t normally get to see and to understand what it takes to coordinate with multiple agencies and individuals within the community, which is so important in the National Guard,” said Powell.
Story by Sgt. 1st Class Gina Vaile-Nelson, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
Pfc. Allison Shontz, Pvt. 1st Class Dillion Morvel and 1st Lt. Maria Burns, military police assigned to the 223rd Military Police Company patrol River Road from Seventh Street to Ninth Street April 18, in support of Thunder Over Louisville security detail. More than 1,200 Law Enforcement Officers and 140 military policemen patrolled the Riverfront to ensure crowd safety. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Gina Vaile-Nelson)
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Before sending the Louisville Metro Police officers and Soldiers from the Kentucky National Guard’s 223rd Military Police Company out on foot patrol, Louisville’s mayor, Greg Fischer and Metro Police Chief Steve Conrad had two important messages: stay safe and keep Louisville safe.
“I thank you LMPD and Kentucky Guard,” Fischer said, “we can’t do this without you.”
More than 1,200 officers made up the combined force of LMPD, Kentucky Guard, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Kentucky State Police and federal law enforcement agencies. LMPD and the Guardsmen conducted foot patrols that roved the waterfront from 4 p.m., until the last spectators receded from the downtown area.
Soldiers assigned to the 223rd Military Police Company receive a patrol plan from the Louisville Metro Police prior to hitting the streets April 18, in support of Thunder Over Louisville. More than 1,200 Law Enforcement Officers and 140 military policemen patrolled the Riverfront to ensure crowd safety (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Gina Vaile-Nelson)
“We are very grateful for what the National Guard provides us,” said Sgt. Phil Russell, Louisville Metro Police commander of media, public relations.
“With a half-million people in downtown Louisville, we absolutely need the support of the National Guard. We are grateful for the extra set of eyes and the partnership that we hope continues,” he said.
The partnership comes easy for the Louisville-based 223rd MPs. While unit leadership didn’t have an exact number of Soldiers employed by LMPD, their network of police contacts is extensive. Several Soldiers are employed by civilian police departments, and are familiar with the way civilian departments operate.
“We conduct training for events like this when we get our field time,” said 1st Sgt. Mike Ochs, 223rd MP Company first sergeant. “We get briefings from the mayor and police chief, and they always comment on how critical the support of the Kentucky Army National Guard is.
“It’s good for our Soldiers to hear that, it really puts everything into perspective as far as what our role is. We always have good camaraderie with LMPD during Thunder and Derby support; there is never any animosity that this is their turf, we work as one.”
Ochs said the law enforcement presence is important for the attendees to feel safe and secure during Louisville’s largest party. But he said all Soldiers representing the Guard is an important mission as well.
Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer thanks Louisville Metro Police Department and the Kentucky National Guard’s Louisville-based 223rd Military Police Company for their support to Thunder Over Louisville security April 18, in Louisville. More than 1,200 Law Enforcement Officers and 140 military policemen patrolled the Riverfront to ensure crowd safety. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Gina Vaile-Nelson)
“When you are here, and in the uniform, you are an ambassador for the United States military, but especially the Kentucky Guard,” he said.
The 223rd MPs had more than 140 Soldiers supporting LMPD and representing the Guard.
First platoon leader, 1st Lt. Maria Burns, was one of those foot-Soldiers, logging miles between a three-block radius on River Road, from Seventh Street to Ninth.
“This is my third year working Thunder,” Burns said. “We mingle, talk to people and just show them that we are here if they need us.”
Burns said there was one incident two years ago where her team assisted LMPD with dispersing a crowd at the Louisville Skate Park after firecrackers were set off.
“This year, I don’t think we’re going to see anything like that here, this crowd looks pretty happy.”
Story by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Maj. Timothy Starke receives the battalion colors from Col. Jerry Morrison, commander of the 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade during a change of command ceremony for the 198th Military Police Battalion in Fort Knox, Ky., Nov. 16, 2014. Starke assumed command from Lt. Col. John Treufeldt. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
FORT KNOX, Ky. — Maj. Timothy Starke took charge of the 198th Military Police Battalion during a change of command ceremony at Fort Knox, Nov. 16, 2014. Friends, family and former MPs of the unit joined the roughly 800 Soldiers of the 198th in welcoming the new commander of Kentucky’s Thoroughbred Battalion.
“It’s such an honor to be entrusted with command of such a fine group of Soldiers,” said Starke.
He assumed command from Lt. Col. John Treufeldt who led the battalion since 2012.
Click here for more photos from this story.
“It’s just a great honor to serve with this unit and all the people here today,” said Treufeldt. “This has been the most fun I’ve ever had.”
“Its humbling to be here with former commanders and other friends of this battalion and the MP community,” he continued. Sure, we’re here for a ceremony, but its the unit that done all this great stuff. I’ve just been able to put my name on it for the past two and a half years. Maj. Starke has been here for a while and there couldn’t be a better person to give this to.”
After 31 years in uniform, Treufeldt said he plans to stay. He will move to Joint Forces Headquarters working special projects with the personnel and finance sections.
Starke, a 15-year Army Veteran previously served as the battalion’s executive officer and said the familiarity will benefit the unit during the transition.
Col. Jerry Morrison presents Lt. Col. John Treufeldt with the Meritorious Service Medal during a change of command ceremony at Fort Knox, Ky., Nov. 16, 2014. Treufeldt led the 198th Military Police Battalion since 2012 and handed over command to Maj. Timothy Starke during the ceremony. (U.S. Army national Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
“Lt. Col. Treufeldt and I have worked together for years, I have a great deal of respect for him, we see things very similarly in many ways,” he said. “There is a lot of continuity in the organization, which is great for the Soldiers. They won’t see much difference in the way things are done.”
“I just want to live and enjoy each and every day and try to help these Soldiers continue the heritage and pride of this unit, and create their own legacy here,” said Starke.
Next up for the battalion, as Starke said is to “take a breath” and enjoy a family day for the holidays in December, a time he is ready to enjoy as the new commander.
“That’s when we get to get out and meet the families, that’s what I’m excited about. We can’t do this without families. We have to wrap our arms around them and let them know they are a part of this military police family.”
The MP battalion is made up of Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 223rd Military Police Company, the 438th MP Co., the 617th MP Co., the 940th MP Co. and the 1103rd Law and Order Detachment.
Since 2001, the units of the battalion have mobilized 13 times in support of overseas operations including Iraq, Afghanistan and Bosnia.
Story by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Spc. Jennifer Morris with the 149th Signal Company shares her knowledge of a Satellite Transportable Terminal with a ROTC cadet at Fort Knox, Ky., June 20, 2014. Morris and other members of the Kentucky National Guard were on hand to showcase various career fields for the cadets to pursue when they graduate. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
FORT KNOX, Ky. — Each year thousands of Army ROTC cadets attend the Leadership Development and Assessment Course to help determine where and how they will serve in the Army. This 28-day event is considered a centerpiece of the ROTC program and historically has been held at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington. For 2014, the LDAC was held at its new home alongside the U.S. Army’s Cadet Command at Fort Knox.
More than 8,000 cadets filtered through the grounds of Fort Knox during the summer for LDAC, formerly known as Advanced Camp. The course is a series of evaluations for each cadet in various leadership positions. A small portion of the event called Branch Orientation allows the cadets a taste of each branch of the Army they can request to be commissioned into. In addition to active duty units, Army National Guard and U.S. Army Reserve units played a role in representing each speciality, such as infantry, transportation, armor and aviation.
Spc. Nathan Hamilton with the 149th Signal Company discusses the advantages of being a signal officer with ROTC cadets at Fort Knox, Ky., June 20, 2014. Thousands of cadets took in their future opportunities during branch orientation as part of their annual Leadership Development and Assessment Course. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
Soldiers of Kentucky’s 149th Signal Company were on hand to demonstrate the highlights of the Signal Corps and what being a signal officer would be like.
“It’s an honor to have the opportunity to share my passion for communications with future signal officers,” said Spc. Nathan Hamilton, a multi-channel transmission system operator with the 149th. “Hopefully I can provide some of my knowledge to them for a few to be as excited about communications as I am.”
Soldiers from the unit set up a Satellite Transportable Terminal, STT with full communication operability, provided a brief run-down of what signal is about and even gave cadets the chance to get on-line to check an email or two.
Sgt. 1st Class Matthew Mathesius, Readiness NCO for the 149th Signal said the unit was requested by the Army’s signal headquarters in Fort Gordon, Georgia to support the branch orientation. He believed their set up would attract cadets to the Signal Corps because of the unique mission and equipment the job requires.
“Thousands of cadets will have the opportunity to see the best signal company in the Army National Guard in action,” he said.
“Our static display differs from other branches because it is not just a piece of equipment on display. It is a functioning satellite terminal trailer and command post node that provides data and voice capability to demonstrate what we do. This showcases our ability to provide communication access anywhere, anytime.”
Chief Warrant Officer Greg Scott speaks with ROTC cadets at a National Guard display at Fort Knox, Ky., June 20, 2014. National Guard Soldiers and Reservists played a large role in the U.S. Army ROTC’s annual Leadership Development and Assessment Course. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
In addition to the signal Soldiers, Kentucky Guardsmen from the 2nd Battalion, 138th Field Artillery showed up with one of their M109 Howitzers to draw cadets into artillery. Soldiers from Kentucky’s 198th Military Police Battalion also attended to provide the information for those interested in military law enforcement.
According to Chief Warrant Officer Greg Scott, Kentucky Army National Guard Liaison to the cadet command, around 50 percent of each year’s graduating classes become officers in the reserve components which is why it is important for National Guard and Reserve units to have such a presence at LDAC.
“This year the Army National Guard and the Reserves played a major role in executing the seven branch orientation events,” said Scott. “Every state and territory is invited to participate to inform interested cadets of what their state has to offer.”
“The goal, with the idea that we are all one team, is to broadcast what your branch has to offer and to talk about the benefits of the Guard in every state. Each component is out here to find the best of the best as their future leaders.”
While budgetary constraints played a part also, using local units close to Fort Knox, Scott said the LDAC’s move to Kentucky will be a benefit to the Kentucky National Guard.
“It only makes sense that we try to take the lead on this. Moving forward, this could be a major opportunity for the Kentucky National Guard to play a big role in the summer training that is conducted in our own backyard.”
Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Bryan Ploughe, 238th RTI Unit Public Affairs Historian Representative
Video story by Staff Sgt. Rebecca Wood, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – For two minutes each spring the eyes of the world are on the Bluegrass State during a little event called The Kentucky Derby. And right in the middle of all of the energy and excitement Kentucky’s National Guard Soldiers make their presence known.(Kentucky National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Bryan Ploughe, 238th RTI Unit Public Affairs Historian Representative)
The earliest mention of the Derby in the records of the Kentucky Adjutant General goes back to April 1936. A total of 36 officers and 600 men were ordered to maintain “…order and prevent rioting due to insufficient police powers in Jefferson County.”
Click here for the history of the Kentucky National Guard’s participation in the Kentucky Derby.
These days only a couple of hundred Guardsmen are required to pull of the mission, along with technology, partnerships with local, state and federal agencies — and a lot of planning.
Staff Sgt. James Elliott provided guidance and instruction for Soldiers while working security detail along the perimeter of the horse track, during the 140th running of the Kentucky Derby. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Bryan Ploughe, 238th RTI Unit Public Affairs Historian Representative)
“We begin planning every year approximately eleven months out,” stated Capt. Travis Riley, 198th Military Police Battalion. Riley served as command post battle captain for security operation during the Derby.
“The key to our success in all this is our NCO corps,” said Riley. “They do all the hard work and they do it with professionalism and enthusiasm.”
Sgt. 1st Class Mark Meunier, NCOIC for perimeter security at Church Hill Downs, echoed Riley’s praise for his non-commissioned officers.
“We look to our experienced NCOs to provide guidance and direction to the less experienced, when it comes to performing their duty,” he said. “After all, they are the driving force of this mission to make things happen.”
In the wake of multiple deployments to two war zones and state active duty during hurricanes, tornadoes and ice storms, you might wonder what the troops think of something like “Derby duty.”
When spectators arrive at Church Hill Downs, they have lots of questions and require some directions. Sgt. James Hagan provides assistance whenever possible so visitors can enjoy their experience at the Kentucky Derby. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Bryan Ploughe, 238th RTI Unit Public Affairs Historian Representative)
“Morale is high,” said Meunier. “You couldn’t ask for a more vigilant or competent group of Soldiers to work with. They love what they do and they do it well.”
The average attendance for the main event on Saturday was nearly 175,000 spectators, not including the crowds that attend for the running of the Oaks on Friday. With a battalion size element of Soldiers on the ground, working in concert with multiple other agencies, such as Louisville Metro Police, Jefferson County Sheriff’s department and Kentucky State Police and other agencies, officials were prepared for nearly any situation that may happen.
Far from the madding crowd — As part of the security detail during the Kentucky Derby, Sgt. Chris Reardon stands guard at a gap along the back stretch to keep spectators from entering the track during the race. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Bryan Ploughe, 238th RTI Unit Public Affairs Historian Representative)
Staff Sgt. James Elliott has worked the derby detail for a few years.
“This year ran incredibly smooth,” he said. “With the lessons learned from previous years and experienced Soldiers being at every control point, this mission has evolved into one that the Soldiers can walk away from, with great memories and experience.”
Of all the missions the Kentucky National Guard MPs support throughout the year, the Derby is one of their biggest. With their reputation as the “backbone of the Army” secure, the Kentucky Guard NCO corps became part of history with the running of the 140th “Running of the Roses.”
Staff Report
Capt. Curtis Persinger in Iraq, 2011. Persinger is a 2012 recipient of the MacArthur Leadership Award. (Photo by 1st. Sgt. Jeremy Serdenis, 940th Military Police Company)
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade has continued its long history of combat service into the twentieth century and the War on Terrorism. Elements of the 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade (MEB) have fought in Baghdad, Ramadi, Balad, Tikrit, Q-West, and a host of other places in Iraq and Afghanistan. Still other units served in Bosnia, Germany, Belgium, and protected key facilities here in the United States immediately after the attacks of September 11, 2001. The brigade accomplished every mission with distinction.
Much of what has made the brigade successful is the exceptional quality of its junior leaders. This fact was recently brought to light once again with the announcement that Capt. Curtis Persinger, 198th Military Police Battalion, was awarded the General Douglas MacArthur Leadership Award, which in recognition of his outstanding leadership and embodiment of the values for which Gen. MacArthur stood – duty, honor, and country. Only 27 other company grade officers throughout the United States Army were selected to receive the MacArthur Leadership Award (MLA) this year.
Click here for more photos on this story.
This incredible honor brings credit to Persinger, his battalion, and the 149th MEB. What is perhaps even more remarkable is that Persinger is the most recent of three national MLA winners to come from the 149th MEB since 2004, all of whom commanded units in combat. In fact, five of the six MLA winners from the Commonwealth of Kentucky since 1987 have come from the 149th MEB: Maj. (Ret.) Todd Linder won in 2005 and led the 617th Military Police Company in Iraq; Major Jeff Cole won the MLA in 2004 and went on to command Company D, 1st Battalion, 149th Infantry in Iraq; and Persinger commanded the 940th MP Company in Iraq during Operation New Dawn in 2011.
The 149th MEB boasts of two more national winners in the 1980s: Lt. Col. (Retired) Jim Foster, 1988, and Lt. Col. (Ret.) Bill Hill, 1987.
“On a weekly basis I harped about working harder than the Soldier on the left and right of you, to never forget about the Soldiers behind you, and finally, to lead by example and ‘make a way’ for the organization.” Capt. Curtis Persinger, 2012 Douglas MacArthur Award recipient supervising his troops during live fire training in Iraq. (Photo by 1st. Sgt. Jeremy Serdenis, 940th Military Police Company)
In addition to these national winners, numerous state winners have come from the ranks of the 149th MEB. Cpt. Jason Mendez was the state nominee in 2009 and later commanded Company C, 1st Battalion, 149th Infantry in Iraq during Operation New Dawn. Capt. Martin Schafer was the 2008 state winner and went on to command 1149th Forward Support Company during Operation New Dawn. Other state winners from 149th MEB include Maj. Adrian Wheeler in 2003, Lt. Col. Fred Bates in 2001, Col. Chuck Schneider in 1995, and the current brigade commander, Col. Mike Abell, in 1998.
What is it about the 149th MEB that produces so many exceptional leaders? Brigade Commander Col. Mike Abell provided the following explanation:
“Years ago, this brigade was a separate armored brigade with one infantry battalion, three armor battalions, and one cavalry troop assigned. Those units produced warrior leaders whose mission, as a combined arms team, was to ‘close with and destroy enemy forces using fire, maneuver, and shock effect.”
The Separate Armored Brigade went away, said Abell, but the leaders remained in the 149th Brigade and never lost that edge. They have since mentored the younger generation of company grade officers, who are now field grade officers, and the tradition continues, that tradition is carried on today by the 1st Battalion, 149th Infantry and 198th MP Battalion.
“And it really is in our blood, our DNA, and is readily apparent in everything we do and has been for over a generation. It spills over and infects our support units and our adjacent units. When you live, eat, and breath the discipline associated with being a professional warrior you separate yourself from the pack, not for recognition or accolades, but because you necessarily have to be that good to ‘close with and destroy’.”
Click here to read about Capt. Persinger’s other passion.
Persinger’s perspective on his award is typical of today’s breed of warrior leaders. “I know it’s an individual award but there is no way I would have accomplished this without having excellent leaders around me along the way and without my enlisted Soldiers, NCO’s, and Junior Officers I wouldn’t have had a successful deployment.”
Capt. Curtis Persinger pondering his future at Al-Faw Palace, Baghdad, Iraq, 2011. (Photo by 1st. Sgt. Jeremy Serdenis, 940th Military Police Company)
Make that “deployments.” Persinger served a total of three tours in Iraq, always as a military police officer. His attitude toward his troops reflects a professional “been there, done that” discipline.
“I think it shows the type of climate and work ethic that we are promoting not only at the 940th MP Company but at the 198th MP Battalion. On a weekly basis I harped about working harder than the Soldier on the left and right of you, to never forget about the Soldiers behind you, and finally, to lead by example and ‘make a way’ for the organization.”
A decade of continuous conflict has yielded quality company-grade officers who will be the strategic leaders of tomorrow. Today’s young leaders like Capt. Curtis Persinger are resourceful, adaptive, and empowered to make decisions like never before. They have maintained the Warrior Ethos from previous generations. These qualities combine to create capable leaders who are the future of the 149th MEB and the Kentucky National Guard.
Persinger will travel to Washington, D. C. at the end of May to accept his award.
dwa
Story and photos by: Staff Sgt. Fredrick P. Varney, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
Kentucky Army National Guard Spc. Kyle P. Alexander, 223rd Military Police Company based in Louisville, provides security during the Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs May 6. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Fredrick P. Varney, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)
Click here for more photos on this story.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (May 6, 2011) – For most people the month of May typically serves as a friendly reminder that summer is just around the corner. On the other hand, for Kentuckians it means unleashing some “Unbridled Spirit” within the Commonwealth.
Every year during the first week of May thousands of people flock to Churchill Downs in Louisville to watch some of the greatest horse racing on the planet.
So much time and effort goes into making the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby a success. Because security is the number one priority, multiple agencies must work closely together to accomplish one common goal.
Staff Sgt. Jacque S. Hayes, military police instructor, 238th Regiment, directs traffic using proper hand and arm signals May 6 during the Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Spc. Alexa E. Becerra, Headquarters Company 138th Fires Brigade )
This year Kentucky National Guard Soldiers from the 75th Troop Command and 198th Military Police Battalion worked alongside the Louisville Metro Police Department by providing security and directing traffic outside the confines of Churchill Downs.
The 75th Troop Command was called upon to provide security inside the winner’s circle while the 198th Military Police Battalion directed traffic control.
“Our unit is here to augment the Louisville Metro Police Department by providing personnel to work traffic posts around Churchill Downs, while also serving as additional security forces on the ground to make this a safe environment for the citizens of the Commonwealth,” said Capt. Gregory W. Jefferson, Training Officer, 198th Military Police Battalion.
Due to the high volume of spectators, the Kentucky Oaks can cause both logistical and security nightmares for law enforcement officials.
Kentucky Army National Guard Pvt. Justin A. Downey, 223rd Military Police Company based in Louisville, directs traffic May 6. during the Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Spc. Alexa E. Becerra, Headquarters Company 138th Fires Brigade)
“Our Soldiers are happy to assist the city of Louisville,” said Sgt. Jeremy S. Adams, Team Leader, 1103rd Military Police Detachment based in Harrodsburg, Ky. “The Louisville Metro Police Department does an excellent job of keeping our streets safe, so this is our way of returning the favor.”
Staff Sgt. Jacque S. Hayes, military police instructor for the 238th Regiment, said the Kentucky Guard continues to shine by lending a helping hand within our local communities.
“Being visible allows our citizens to know we are strong and fully committed to our profession,” said Hayes. “I am proud to be a member of the Kentucky National Guard and this event provides us with an opportunity to show the public just how special our organization truly is.”
-30-
