Massachusetts National Guard Military Police Soldiers learn Civil Disruption Techniques

Photo By Timothy Koster | An instructor from the Department of Homeland Security shouts commands to a formation of U.S. and Canadian soldiers and airmen as they participate in a practical exercise in civil disruption techniques. This class was a multinational training event for military police Soldiers from the Massachusetts Army and Air National Guards as well as the Canadian 3 Military Police Regiment at Fort Devens, Mass., March 4-6.  

FORT DEVENS, MA, UNITED STATES

03.05.2016

Courtesy Story

362nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

DEVENS, Mass. – The 211th Military Police Battalion conducted civil disturbance training at Fort Devens, Massachusetts and New England Studios, here, respectively, March 4 - 6.

Trainers from the Department of Homeland Security, all with extensive law enforcement and homeland security backgrounds, provided the instruction.

"We want everyone on the same page," said John Mahon, a former New York Police Department lieutenant and SWAT leader.

Mahon advocated a national standard for crowd control and added that the Soldiers' military uniformity helped a lot in mastering the drills.

"Their backgrounds as Soldiers make a difficult exercise much easier."

The praise was reciprocated by Spc. Catelyn Santos from 747th Military Police Company.

"The instructors did a great job of explaining the organization of anarchists. I thought most crowds were haphazard. It gave me a different perspective.”

Noncommissioned officers often take on dual roles in training exercises; to acquire skills needed to continue their career path and more importantly, according to the sergeants themselves, to provide guidance and support for their Soldiers.

Sgt. Roman of the 747th Military Police Company is one of these NCOs.

"I wish this type of training had been around five years ago. These drills will prepare us for a future deployment should it occur. The specific holds, defense positioning and team-line solidarity will allow us to be stronger Soldiers."

Sgt. Gaelan Beberman, an MP from Unit 747's Military Police Company agreed.

"This training is great for new Soldiers who have never been exposed to these specific tactics. You can tell that some Soldiers have improved in two days.”

Beberman, a police officer in Walpole, Massachusetts, added that he's learning as well.

"In my position, I'm usually dealing with two or three inebriated people. This training is opening up a whole new dimension: large crowds, large civil unrest."

After a weekend of hands on and classroom training, the combined efforts of law enforcement and the military are ready to mitigate potential tragedies and maintain order.

• Date Taken: 03.05.2016
• Date Posted: 03.06.2016 22:41
• Story ID: 191325
• Location: FORT DEVENS, MA, US