FORT HUNTER LIGGETT, Calif. - He’s a civilian police officer in his home state of La., and an Army Reserve military police soldier for the 441st Transportation Company, out of New Orleans, La. He’s bringing both of his worlds to the Warrior Exercise this year as a role player in detainee operations.

Spc. Elijah Rodriguez, alongside fellow reservists of the 441st TC, is working with the 530th Military Police Battalion, of Omaha, Neb., for a period of three weeks, starting June 13, 2012, here at Camp 8J. Rodriguez is one of many soldiers with a law enforcement background who will share his real-world experience with the rest of the team.

This is the first time that the two security units will be working with each other. The maneuver will be built into a collective task as role players enter the compound on large-scale missions.

The units are facing challenging scenarios, including processing female detainees and dealing with riots. “Female [soldiers] have to work with females. There’s only three of us,” said Sgt. Bethany Lierman of the 530th MP Battalion. “We have to be very flexible,” she said.

She hopes to become proficient in her job while she’s here and get as much training as possible. “This is where you get the meat and potatoes,” said Lierman.

“Detainee operations is something of strategic importance,” said Capt. Daniel Moss with the 530th MP Battalion.

Combining the two security-related units together has been helpful for the soldiers. “It’s exciting to meet new people,” said Rodriguez. “Most soldiers come from a variety of backgrounds.”

Their civilian jobs range everywhere from police officers to lawyers. “One of the benefits of the reserves is that [soldiers bring] skills from the outside,” said Moss.

“It’s beneficial to involve all different areas of the military,” said Lierman. “There’s a lot you can learn from all the different [branches].”

The soldiers are learning the proper techniques in maintaining positive control in various situations. Their compound consists of a controlled entryway with areas reserved inside for detainees, enemy combatants, and displaced civilians. Their job is to safeguard them.

“You have to remain professional and treat everyone with dignity and respect,” said Moss.

It takes a great deal of integrity and professionalism to work in security relations. The soldiers from both units are looking forward to working as a team in the weeks ahead.

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