CAMP BUERHING, Kuwait – On a dusty and overcast morning, military police began their training on the personal security detachment lanes in Kuwait to better serve Soldiers of 1st Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division during their rotation in Iraq.
During the three-day training event in the desert ranges of Kuwait, the troops learned the basic skills they'll use as personal security team members in Iraq.
The PSD is a special team, handpicked to specifically travel with particular people, called principals, solely to protect them.
"The PSD lane was the most [relevant] training to us that we have went through," said Sterling, Alaska native, Sgt. 1st Class Travis Huggard. "The training is sculpted to introduce the different ways to respond in order to successfully secure the principal and dissolve any hostile situation."
Troops learned how to screen vehicles when driving, successfully engage a target while moving and clear a house in order to keep the principal safe.
"This training gave the Soldiers the awareness of what their role is in the team and how tactically and technically sound they need to be to be proficient and successful in any PSD mission," Huggard said. "It also gave the team leaders the chance to step up and take charge of their team."
Through all the scenarios, the team leaders communicated the appropriate action to their Soldiers.
"This is my first experience doing anything like this and the leadership was great," said Woodville, Texas native, Pvt. Dustin Lynch.
The MP platoon members trained and prepared for a variety of security, escort and protection missions.
"We train on many different types of missions," said Huggard. "We are flexible to provide whatever mission support is needed. I'm confident in my Soldiers and we are fully capable in whatever way necessary."