MPs brave scorching summer heat to enhance skills

Photo By Vincent Abril | Soldiers of the 94th Military Police Battalion, 19th Expeditionary Sustainment Command, conduct dynamic training specifically reinforcing basic military police skills and tactics as part of the unit’s annual training requirement during the summer of 2018 at Rodriguez Live Fire Complex, Pocheon, Korea.  

POCHEON, SOUTH KOREA

08.02.2018

Story by Maj. Shea Asis 

19th Expeditionary Sustainment Command

POCHEON, KOREA-The 94th Military Police Battalion, 19th Expeditionary Sustainment Command, conducted dynamic training specifically reinforcing basic military police skills and tactics as part of the unit’s annual training requirement in August at Rodriguez Live Fire Complex here.

The 142nd, 557th, and 188th Military Police companies, made their way to the live fire complex from multiple locations across the peninsula. Moving these units and personnel to the training area was a logistical challenge, but worth the effort according to organizers of the event.

“It’s a real challenge to get the companies here to train,” said Maj. Matthew Coyne, executive officer, 94th MP Bn. “Overall, it’s a great training event for these companies and it really allows the commander to assess and see where his units are in terms of training.”

To make things even more challenging, Mother Nature added a unique dimension to the training event. Record-setting 100-plus-degree heat with high levels of humidity added difficulty to the training.

Though the heat threw the Soldiers a curveball, leaders at all levels made sure the training was tough and realistic while maintaining safety.

“The heat really added to the difficulty of the training scenarios, but it’s something that we as leaders have to continuously asses no matter where you are,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Matthew Selvaggio, the senior enlisted advisor of the 94th MP Bn.

Training had to be modified at times due to the high heat, but it did not degrade the focus of the training. Soldiers remained positive throughout the event and completed the task at hand.

“I liked the training we had out here," said Spc. Kristen Auch, military police, 188th MP Co. "It enabled me to do some great training and also let me bond better with my teammates as we problem-solved our way through.”

As this training cycle came to a close, the 94th MP Bn. already began laying down the foundation for its next event for later this year.

“We started to discuss and modify our plan for the next event but we will add even more complex scenarios to the deck as this is the premier training event for the MP Battalion,” said Coyne. “It’s the best place to train in the Army as Korea allows for some unique training, which has its advantages.”

• Date Taken: 08.02.2018
• Date Posted: 08.21.2018 05:27
• Story ID: 289579
• Location: POCHEON, KR