Media Release
HQ-MND Baghdad
Camp Liberty
Baghdad, Iraq
APO AE 09344
Commercial: (703) 621-0781
IRAQNA: 011-964-770-252-3225
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20090116 – January 16, 2009
MPs assist in protecting surrounding base communities
By Staff Sgt. Alex Licea
3rd BCT PAO, 82nd Abn. Div., MND-B
FORWARD OPERATING BASE LOYALTY, Iraq –Paratroopers assigned to the Military Police platoon, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad conducted a patrol in neighborhoods surrounding Forward Operating Base Loyalty in eastern Baghdad, Jan 14.
The MPs conduct this patrol twice a day for two reasons. The first is to partner with National Police officers at checkpoints and get familiarized with the surrounding area. The second is to interact with Iraqi citizens and let them know Coalition Forces are here to assist and keep them safe.
“We visit the NP checkpoints to work with them (NP) and let them know we are here to help,” said Sgt. Richard Sheetz, a team leader with the MP platoon. “We have seen how the NP operate in the short time we have been here (Iraq). They are checking cars and moving traffic. They are doing the things they are suppose to do.”
“Additionally, we like to let our presence known and tell the Iraqi people we are here and we care,” said the Galloway, N.J. native.
Typically a MP serves in a law enforcement capacity on military installations back in the U.S., but in combat MPs can be put in a number of different roles. Sheetz said MPs are trained in both tasks: a home station or “garrison” role and a combat role.
They can perform in operations typically done by infantry Soldiers such as searching for improvised explosive devices and providing convoy security. Sheetz said MPs are considered “a jack of all trades.”
Although some in the neighborhood were apprehensive at first, the frequent MP patrols have been praised by residents in keeping their neighborhoods safe.
“They were a little scared and hid away from us in the beginning,” said Sheetz. “But now they understand who we are, and they are getting to know us. They are starting to talk and provide us with information.”
The frequent patrols have also been credited for allowing Paratroopers on their first deployment to quickly become adjusted to operations in a war environment.
“I am confident in driving around the neighborhoods now,” said Pvt. Rudy Cardona, a driver with the MP platoon. “I was nervous at first about the roads because they are tight and there is a lot of traffic but the experience has helped me along the way.”
“Our leaders are always reminding us to be aware of IEDs and muzzle awareness,” said the native of Mansfield, Texas. “It is something we are contently being stressed on.”
On this day, the mission was a success. The neighborhood was safe and the residents, especially children, happily greeted the Paratroopers throughout the patrol. Overall, Sheetz is happy with the way his team continues to perform and describes them as “a well-oiled machine.”
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