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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 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 and photos by Sgt. Datarra Ignacio-Hooper, 238th Regiment
NOTE: Often, kentuckyguard.com publishes stories by or about Kentucky National Guard unit public affairs historian representatives, also known as UPAHRs. This is an additional duty taken on by a Soldier or Airman with the intent of telling their unit’s story. This is one such story ….
Spc. Aaron Lunn (left) performs a mechanical advantage control hold with a baton on Sgt. Joseph Zaragoza during military police training at Wendell H. Ford Regional training Center in Greenville, Ky., March 4, 2013. (KYNG photo by Sgt. Datarra Ignacio-Hooper)
GREENVILLE, Ky. — There was plenty of hands on training taking place at the Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center involving military police instructors and their students. The 31B Military Police Reclassification Course is designed to prepare the Soldier to perform duties at Skill Level 1 in MOS 31B. According to course instructors, the course contains the critical tasks for duty performance at this level and presents them using sound training methodologies.
“A military police officer does an array of duties” said Sgt. 1st Class Donald Green, an instructor at the 238th Regiment. “Military police are responsible for providing support to the battlefield by conducting area security, internment/resettlement, maneuver and mobility support, law and order, and police intelligence operations.”
Staff Sgt. Cutris Stalcup, a Military Police Instructor briefs students on Search Technique Training and Restraint Techniques during a MP course at Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center in Greenville, Ky., March 4, 2013. (KYNG photo by Sgt. Datarra Ignacio-Hooper)
Once re-classed, a military police officer will be able to protect lives and property on Army installations by enforcing military laws and regulations, as well as controlling traffic, preventing crime, and responding to emergencies.
Sgt. 1st Class Stephen Montgomery, a student in the course said there was a wealth of information in the training, including responsibilities while off military installations..
Spc. Billie Jacobs (left) removes handcuffs from an acting suspect Sgt. 1st Class Michelle Owen during a military police training course at Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center March 4, 2013. (KYNG photo by Sgt. Datarra Ignacio-Hooper)
“I enjoyed learning about the new information that was being shared,” he said. And overall, I’m impressed about how much the MPs are involved in the community.”
“Best bang for the buck” prepares active duty and reserve component Soldiers for real world missions
Story by David Altom, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
“Always ready, reliable and accessible!” Military police students practice civil disturbance tactics during MOS class at the 238th Regimental Training Institute at the Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center. The 238th RTI recently received accreditation as an Institute of Excellence, qualifying it to teach active duty and reserve component soldiers across several disciplines. (Kentucky Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Dennis M. Anderson, 238th Regimental Training Institute)
GREENVILLE, Ky. – In a time of budget cuts, drawdowns and a post-war scramble for resources and money, a bright light of achievement shines on the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The 238th Regimental Training Institute, once reknown as the Kentucky Military Academy, has caught the eye of the United States Army – and in a good way.
It was January of this year that the 238th RTI was designated as an “Institute of Excellence” by the Army, the culmination of a series of inspections that resulted in a 98% average, with three of five inspections with a perfect score. This designation is the first for the 238th, covering a variety of disciplines to include field artillery, infantry, military police, officer candidates and warrant officer candidates.
What does this achievement mean for the 238th RTI and the Kentucky Army National Guard? In short, it means greater training opportunities for the Kentucky Army Guard and a secure relationship with Big Army.
“This Institution of Excellence accreditation puts us in the top echelons of our peers,” said Col. Allen Denny, commander of the 238th RTI. “This is important as it gives us a leg up when competing for resources, additional courses and other opportunities.”
Students in an artillery class conducted by the 238th Regimental Training Institute at the Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center. Cadre push to have the latest training on the technological skills so soldiers are better prepared when they hit the ground on deployment. (Kentucky Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Dennis M. Anderson, 238th Regimental Training Institute)
“We are in an uncertain environment due to a shift in strategy, a transition from an Army at War to an Army in Preparation, and an era of fiscal uncertainty,” said Denny. “However, this accreditation puts us in excellent position to maintain and to grow and to continue to add benefit to the Kentucky National Guard and the One Army School System.”
With 11 full-time and 54 part-time staff members on board at the 10,000 acre Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center, the 238th RTI is not the largest such institution, which makes the accreditation all the more remarkable. Other facilities such as Camp Shelby, Miss. and Fort Jackson, S.C. have been around for a lot longer and are considerably larger, but the 238th RTI is hot on their heels in terms of growth and quality of instruction.
Click here to read about the Kentucky Army Guard’s first ever combined officer and warrant officer graduation
“This accreditation solidifies our credibility, whether it’s training Kentucky National Guardsmen or Guard members from other states,” said Lt. Col. William McDaniel, operations chief for the 238th. “It also gives us the opportunity in certain course fields that we have to train active component Soldiers so they receive the same training value here that they would at an active duty school.”
Capt. Anthony Haley, budget analyst resource manager, wasn’t surprised that the regiment received its accreditation. “This was something we’ve been preparing for about three years. A lot of hard work and dedication went into preparation into getting to this point.”
Busting down doors — Students practice tactical skills during exercises conducted by the 238th Regimental Training Institute at the Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center. The quality of training provided by the 238th RTI is such that it’s common for students to return home and ask when the next level class is available. (Kentucky Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Dennis M. Anderson, 238th Regimental Training Institute)
Credit where credit is due
While Haley said that the accreditation was a team effort, he pointed to two specific elements in the mission’s success: the training staff and cadre, and the quality assurance team.
“Our quality assurance guys need to get some of the credit. They spent a lot of time looking the documents and the standards and making sure that when the TRADOC accreditation team came that they could see and understand that we were meeting the Army standards.”
To hear everyone talk about the accreditation process, Sgt. 1st Class Kevin Estes gets much of the credit for making sure that the regiment got it’s due recognition. Regulations had to be analyzed, spreadsheets composed and binders assembled. Then it all had to be presented and explained. As the quality assurance NCO, that was Estes’ job and he’s lauded by the staff for pulling it off with exemplary professionalism and a ton of hard work.
Estes, a true quiet professional, summed it all up in one sentence: “It was just another day in the office.”
There’s more to it, of course. Estes explained that while he had to look at and assess the standards, the instructors were the ones who got the job done … and done right!
Professional and credible instructors
“The regiment has always had good instructors,” he said. “But it wasn’t always easy to show ‘what right looks like.’ We’ve always instructed very well and put out quality Soldiers. What the accreditation standard does is make you show that you’re actually doing that, and doing it at a higher standard.”
At the firing range with the 238th Regimental Training Institute at the Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center. Hands on application of classroom skills is an essential ingredient in training professional soldiers. (Kentucky Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Dennis M. Anderson, 238th Regimental Training Institute)
That’s the measuring of it all. But then there’s the actual hands-on instruction, the meat of the matter and the key to the 238th’s success.
“What it all boils down to is, if we’re not putting out a quality product, we’re not going to get repeat business,” said Sgt. 1st Class James Abston.
The quality product, of course, being professionally trained Soldiers. A field artillery course manager, Abston says the “repeat business” from his students is testament to the high level of training affected by the regiment.
“Our students are the reason we’re here,” Abston said. “I’ve got guys who just graduate from the lower level courses emailing me asking when the high level courses are being offered. They’re getting our name out there and asking to come back, plus they’re telling their units to send more troops to us for training.”
The accreditation is all nice and good, but Abston sees the role of the regiment as a higher calling.
Click here to find out more about the Kentucky National Guard Warrant Officer program
“To me the most important part is that these students can wind up deploying and in the middle of the fight. Most of them have already been deployed – they’re war veterans and they know what they need. They’ll throw down the flag if they need to, so that means you have to provide quality training and prove that you know what you’re talking about.”
The experience and leadership exhibited by the students has proven to be an asset to the schoolhouse, says instructor Sgt. 1st Class Timothy England.
“We scan our students as they come through and we put a bug in their ear about coming back and being an instructor,” he said. “Our instructor pool improves with each year. They learn from each other, they don’t hoard information but instead they love sharing it.
This is what it’s all about! The 238th Regimental Training Institute has full access to range facilities at the Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center, one of the fastest growing training sites in the nation. (Kentucky Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Dennis M. Anderson, 238th Regimental Training Institute)
NCOs are the backbone
Of course, behind every unit is a top sergeant, in this case the regiment’s Command Sgt. Maj. Timothy Goad. And like any good top sergeant, Goad brags on his non-commissioned officers, giving them credit for the work that’s been done.
“As long as the Army’s been around the NCO corps has been its backbone. In the time that I’ve been here I’ve been so proud of the quality of our NCOs. They’re phenomenal! I just give them some direction and they take it and run with it. You can’t find a better group in my opinion. That shows in our accreditation as an institute of excellence.”
Goad points out that a majority of the RTI’s staff is M-Day, or part-time. “I have to salute our M-Day staff. They’ve got other jobs and careers in the civilian world, but they still put out quality training that is high above the standard.”
One of the misconceptions about the regiment is that it doesn’t deploy. That’s true. But it’s also true that “the school house” is full of instructors who have deployed, literally “been there, done that and got the t-shirts to prove it.”
“Approximately 80 percent of our staff has deployed at one time or another,” said Master Sgt. Charles Johnston, senior field artillery instructor. “When our students see that combat patch on their instructor’s uniform, that means something.”
Kentucky National Guard Officer Candidate students take a moment to relax after a required 10-mile ruck march to complete phase two of their OCS curriculum with the 238th Regimental Training Institute at the Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center. The 238th RTI also offers a warrant officer candidate program as well as a broad range of MOS training for active duty and reserve component NCOs. (Photo by: Spc. David Bolton, Public Affairs Specialist, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, Kentucky Army National Guard).
Technology and the future
Johnston also points out that the 238th RTI aggressively pursues updating the technology that they teach on. “If we find out that our courses are lagging behind we push pretty hard to make sure that we update our gear and put it in our training. We want to make sure that what we’re teaching is something that matters to our students and is up to date.”
So there you have it. While history shows that the post-war U.S. military often ponders future missions and direction, the Kentucky National Guard and the 238th Regimental Training Institute have a definite purpose – and perhaps even a higher calling.
Chief instructor Master Sgt. John Hazlett sums it all up with characteristic though practical optimism:
“This accreditation is a celebration of the fact that we have all of these different elements at this regiment and they’re all being recognized at the highest level. If any of these elements fail at their job, we don’t become an institute of excellence. So everybody’s got to do their part for us to succeed.”
“The future of the Kentucky National Guard is happening now at the 238th,” said Hazlett. “The point of the spear is right here. New ideas that come out of active duty, from Afghanistan, Iraq and Africa, we’re the first to implement those right here, right now. When a Soldier comes here, they truly learn how to be a leader, how to lead a squad, a platoon or a company. When they leave here, they leave better than they ever were before.”
Story by Spc. David Bolton, Public Affairs Specialist, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
Click here for more Derby photos.
Click here for photos from the Oaks.
Kentucky National Guard Pfc. Kara Denise Bucklew, an MP with the 223rd Military Police Company stationed in Louisville, Ky., moves the winner’s trophy for the Kentucky Oaks race to the winner’s circle at Churchill Downs May 4, 2012. (Photo by: Spc. David Bolton, Public Affairs Specialist, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, Kentucky Army National Guard).
LOUISVILLE, Ky.— Louisville’s legendary Churchill Downs hosted the Kentucky Derby May 6 for the 138th time – but for 19-year-old Pfc. Kara Denise Bucklew, a Military Policeman assigned to the 223rd Military Police Company, this was her first Run for the Roses.
“The experience has been quite enjoyable,” said Bucklew. “I had the chance to meet a lot of different people and see a lot of different things that I would not normally get the chance to see if it weren’t for me being here with the Kentucky National Guard.”
Kentucky Army Guardsman Pfc. Kara Denise Bucklew, an MP with the 223rd Military Police Company, guards the winner’s trophy for the Kentucky Derby in the Director’s Room on millionaire row at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. May 5, 2012.(Photo by: Spc. David Bolton, Public Affairs Specialist, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, Kentucky Army National Guard).
As an MP, Bucklew was selected and charged with guarding the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby trophies on Millionaires Row. Valued at $200,000, according to Ronnie Dreistadt, educator at the Kentucky Derby Museum, the trophies are awarded to the owners of the Derby winner after what is known as the fastest two minutes in sports.
“I feel like it’s a great honor,” said Bucklew, “its something that a lot of people wish they could do but they haven’t been granted the opportunity, so I feel very lucky.”
Bucklew was in the Winner’s Circle as Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear presented the 18-karat trophy to the I’ll Have Another crew: J.Paul Reddam, owner, Doug O’Niell, trainer and Mario Gutierrez, jockey.
“It was awesome, I felt really important,” said Bucklew.
Bucklew also said Louisville’s Southern hospitality was in full force on Derby Day. “Everyone seems to want to come up and shake my hand and say ‘thank you for your service.”
Coming from a military background where both her father and grandfather served in the U.S. Navy, Bucklew, a JROTC graduate, was influenced by the prospects of joining the armed forces.
“I just fell in love with the military,” said Bucklew, “I’ve made a lot of friends in the National Guard and it’s definitely made me a more independent person.”
Bucklew said she is always enjoying new experiences in the National Guard.
“One thing is good and then the next time I’m doing something better.”
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Story and photos by Pfc. Tabitha Murray, 299th Chemical Company Unit Public Affairs Historian Representative
Kentucky Army National Guard Staff Sergeant Sherman McCoy, 223rd Military Police Company, provides security at the 137th Kentucky Derby, May 7th, 2011. (Photo by Pfc. Tabitha Murray, 299th Chemical Company Unit Public Affairs Historian Representative)
NOTE: Each Wednesday kentuckyguard.com publishes stories by Kentucky National Guard unit public affairs historian representatives, also known as UPAHRs. This is an additional duty taken on by a Soldier or Airmen with the intent of telling their unit’s story. This is one such story ….
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (May 18, 2011) – Staff Sergeant Sherman McCoy, 223rd Military Police Company, proudly joined the Kentucky Army National Guard in 2006. McCoy holds numerous motives that inspired him to become an American Soldier, chief among them his family. His father, several uncles and cousins all had military backgrounds, creating his desire to be a Soldier. He chose the Guard so that he can serve his country as well as enjoying his civilian lifestyle.
“Protecting my country and way of life has always been important to me,” said McCoy.
As a squad leader McCoy strives to rise among what is expected and to serve not only the people of the United States, but his fellow Soldiers as well.
Kentucky Army National Guard Staff Sergeant Sherman McCoy, 223rd Military Police, takes his job seriously so that Kentucky Derby fans have a safe and enjoyable time at the horse races. (Photo by Pfc. Tabitha Murray, 299th Chemical Company Unit Public Affairs Historian Representative)
“Soldiers are my number one priority,” he said. “I have learned that being active in my soldier’s lives motivates them.”
Sergeant McCoy has immense amounts of support of his military career in the Guard from his family. His wife, Michele McCoy, is very active in the Family Readiness Group of his unit as well as being a member of the Lady’s Auxiliary.
The guard has brought along many opportunities for McCoy that he would not have had otherwise. He says the opportunity to attend college, traveling, and seeing the way the public interacts with the National Guard are all key satisfactory points as a Soldier.
One of many highlights in McCoy’s Guard career is recently working as security at this year’s 137th Kentucky Derby. He enjoyed the Derby, saying, “The response from the community is positive and I feel that it’s a good thing seeing firsthand what kind of difference the Guard makes.”
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Wounded Warrior and Kentucky Army National Guardsman Sgt. Casey Cooper looks into the rising sun as he takes flight in the National Guard's hot air balloon as part of the Kentucky Derby Festival's US Bank Great Balloon Race, April 29. Sgt. Cooper, a member of the 223rd Military Police Company in Louisville, Ky., was wounded in the Raven 42 ambush at Salman Pak, Iraq on March 20, 2005. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Aaron Hiler, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)
Touch here for more photos on this story.
Louisville, Ky. (April 29, 2011) – The rising sun wasn’t the only splash of color gracing Louisville’s morning skies. Dozens of hot air balloons leapt into the skies over Bowman Field as part of the 2011 Kentucky Derby Festival’s US Bank Great Balloon Race. The National Guard’s hot air balloon, piloted by Bill Smith of Aero Force Balloons, was second to launch during the race and it carried a very special crewman – Wounded Warrior Sgt. Casey Cooper.
Kentucky Army Guardsman and Wounded Warrior Sgt. Casey Cooper of the 223rd MP Company helps Bill Smith of Aero Force Balloons raise the National Guard balloon prior to the Kentucky derby Festival US Bank Great Balloon Race, April 29. Sgt. Cooper was wounded in the Raven 42 ambush in Salman Pak, Iraq on March 20, 2005. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Aaron Hiler, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)
Sgt. Cooper, a member of the 223rd M.P. Company out of Louisville, was honored by the Kentucky Derby Festival and the National Guard balloon crew by being made an honorary crew member and was given a ride in the balloon during the Great Balloon Race.
Cooper waved to his five-year old son, Jayce, and his sister-in-law, Jessica Tanselle, as the National Guard balloon left the ground.
“I’ve never been up in a hot air balloon before, so I’ve been looking forward to this ride all week,” said Cooper.
Sgt. Cooper was chosen from a group of Wounded Warriors to join the National Guard balloon crew for this event. Cooper was wounded in the Raven 42 ambush at Salman Pak, Iraq in March of 2005, when he and six other MPs were ambushed by insurgent forces while escorting a transportation company. Sgt. Cooper received the Bronze Star Medal with “V” Device for Valor for his actions during the Raven 42 firefight.
“I love honoring our Wounded Warriors like this,” said hot air balloon pilot Bill Smith. Smith, owner of Aero Force Balloons, travels around the nation representing the National Guard with his hot air balloon.
“In addition to honoring a real hero like Sgt. Cooper for his wartime sacrifices, I also get to fly the National Guard balloon and let communities around the nation know that their National Guard is always there when it is needed.”
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Steve Beshear, Governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, visits Kentucky National Guardsmen in Benton Kentucky. The Guardsmen have been activated in response to the flooding in Western Kentucky.(US Army photo by Sgt.1st Class Marvin Cornell, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, Kentucky National Guard)
Click here for more photos of Gov. Beshear’s visit.
Frankfort, Ky. (May 3, 2011) – At the direction of Governor Steve Beshear, nearly 600 Kentucky National Guard troops are assisting flood relief efforts in six western Kentucky counties. Floodwaters continue to rise along the lower Ohio and Mississippi rivers, threatening homes and businesses. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects the rivers will reach crest in most locations in Kentucky on Thursday and Friday.
“I appreciate the ongoing efforts by our local, state and federal responders to continue to keep our families and communities safe as these waters continue to rise,” said Gov. Beshear. “This flood will have long-term effects even after the waters recede, and we stand ready to assist in every step of recovery.”
The Governor visited flooded areas on Tuesday, his second trip to the flood zone in less than a week. National Guard troops are performing a variety of functions in flooded counties, including security patrols, evacuation support, sandbagging operations, communications and logistics and aviation support.
Fulton County Judge Executive David Gallagher, Gov. Steve Beshear, and Director of Kentucky Emergency Management, Brig. Gen. John Heltzel discuss flood levels in Hickman Kentucky on May 3 2011. (US Army photo by Sgt.1st Class Marvin Cornell, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, Kentucky National Guard)
Approximately 3,800 Kentucky residents have evacuated their homes since flooding began. Four Red Cross shelters housed 37 people last night in four locations; a total of six Red Cross shelters are operating statewide.
Engineers and emergency response teams are monitoring the Hickman and Smithland levees around the clock for signs of failure or breach.
Heavy rains on Monday and Tuesday in the central portion of the state produced one to four inches of rain, adding runoff to regional lakes and tributaries. The additional runoff may cause minor to moderate flooding in the Green River, Licking River, Rolling Fork River and Salt River. No additional evacuations are expected as a result of this recent rainfall.
Historic lake levels have been reported across the Commonwealth, and some controlled releases are underway at Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake. Water has begun coming through the emergency spillway at Taylorsville Lake, but no impact to homes or businesses is expected.
Gov. Steve Beshear visits displaced families at a flood relief shelter in Paducah, Kentucky on May 3 2011. (US Army photo by Sgt.1st Class Marvin Cornell, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, Kentucky National Guard)
According to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC), approximately 285 roads are closed closures affecting approximately 60 counties. Because of the rapidly changing nature of flooding, road closure information can quickly become outdated. Before traveling to an affected area, check with local authorities. Traffic information for interstates, parkways and major routes is available at 511.ky.gov or by calling 511. In addition, KYTC has a map on its website (www.transportation.ky.gov) indicating road closures.
Last week, the Governor requested a major disaster declaration from the President of the United States for Individual Assistance, Disaster Unemployment Assistance, Crisis Counseling, Public Assistance, Hazard Mitigation and Small Business Administration disaster loans. In addition, Gov. Beshear requested a disaster declaration for Kentucky’s farm families from Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, and directed the temporary suspension of restrictions on certain motor carriers and utility vehicles delivering disaster relief supplies.
Brig. Gen. Heltzel, Gov. Steve Beshear, and Fulton County officials examine a Hydratrek vehicle being used in flood relief efforts in Hickman,Kentucky on May 3, 2011. (US Army photo by Sgt.1st Class Marvin Cornell, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, Kentucky National Guard)
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) representatives continue damage assessments. The federal teams work alongside representatives from Kentucky Emergency Management (KYEM), small business administration and local emergency management. These joint assessment teams will assess all damages to infrastructure, businesses and homes in each county with a disaster declaration in order to calculate the magnitude of loss. The total assessments will help determine the level of federal disaster relief.
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