Nepalese, U.S. Military policemen from Okinawa share tactics

Photo By Cpl. Michael Bianco | Nepal army Lance Cpl. Ram Kumar K.C., of the Nepal Army Military Police Battalion, demonstrates how to round a corner of a building in a practical application exercise during a subject-matter expert exchange with Okinawa-based Military policemen, Sept. 7, 2008.  

KHATMANDU, NEPAL

09.07.2008

Story by Cpl. Michael Bianco 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

By Michael Bianco
III Marine Expeditionary Force

KATHMANDU, Nepal - Amid the foothills of the Himalayas in Kathmandu, Nepal, 40 Nepal army military policemen exchanged techniques and police protocol Sept. 1-13, 2008 with four Marine Corps Military policeman.

The Okinawa-based Marines from the Marine Corps Base Provost Marshal's Office and Criminal Investigative Division, along with the Nepal military policemen, divided into two classes for the exchange: investigations and security forces.

During the security forces class, the Nepalese honed their close-quarter battle techniques, including movement in urban terrain. The techniques also included enemy observation, martial arts, proper weapons handlings, building entry tactics and room clearing.

Marines from CID shared techniques with Nepal army investigators in areas including interrogations. During one class, Marines shared a field expedient way to reveal fingerprints using a soda can and candle.

Practical application played a very important role in both classes.

"Prac. app. helps breakdown language barriers," said Gunnery Sgt. Eric M. Meek, the staff non-commissioned officer in charge of the Base Special Reaction Team. "They actually get out there and do it."

According to Meek, the Nepalese had no prior experience with the Marine Corps' close-quarter battle techniques. However, with daily practice, they increased their aptitude for the tactics.

Meek said exchanges like this also have a positive effect on international relations.

In addition to the professional relationships established, personal simple relationships were formed when the Nepalese remained in the classrooms during breaks to ask questions and take photographs with the Marines, Meek said.

"Sharing experiences is good for us," said Capt. Anil K.C., the adjutant officer for the Military Police Battalion Bhadrakali, Kathmandu, Nepal. "Exercises like this help strengthen relations. We have learned a lot throughout this time, and I plan to bring it back to battalion for my soldiers."

Marine Corps Military policemen learned equally from their Nepalese counterparts, with one additional benefit - exposure to Nepal's centuries-old culture and proud military heritage.

Even with the differences between the groups, it was not a difficult task for the two groups to find common ground with one another, K.C. said.

"At the end of the day, we're both warfighters," Meek said.

• Date Taken: 09.07.2008
• Date Posted: 09.28.2008 03:28
• Story ID: 24227
• Location: KHATMANDU, NP