Nevada Guard builds confidence – ready to deploy

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Alejandro Sias | Sgt. Kevin Gerow, 485th Military Police Company, Nevada Army National Guard, representing first platoon, carries himself over and through the monkey bars during a confidence course competition at McGregor Range, N.M., Sept. 20. The Guardsmen are preparing for their deployment to Afghanistan.  

MCGREGOR RANGE, NM, UNITED STATES

09.20.2011

Story by Sgt. 1st Class Brian Scott 

5th Armored Brigade

MCGREGOR RANGE, N.M. – The Nevada Army National Guard’s 485th Military Police Company participated in a thorough confidence course workout coordinated by the 2nd Battalion, 361st Combat Support Regiment, “Coyote,” 5th Armored Brigade here Sept. 20. The event also featured a special visit by the Nevada Adjutant General, Air Force Brig. Gen. William R. Burks.

Sgt. 1st Class James Thompson, observer controller/trainer for “Coyote,” and the unit’s liaison officer, has been with the 485th MP Company from the start.

“I’ve seen almost 99% of their training and every event they go to they’re always early, on time, motivated, proper equipment and ready to go,” added Thompson. “They are ready to deploy and all of their validation requirements are done.”

Some of the more challenging points in the obstacle course included climbing over walls, climbing up the rope, walking on the rope, running, jumping, and much more. At the end there was a final competition for this obstacle course between platoons which boosted morale and the welfare of the troops.

“…over, under, around… the hardest ones are definitely the team ones,” said Sgt. Kevin Gerow from Reno, Nev., ranger qualified and first time deploying. “The ones you’re going to need your buddies to pull you up.”

Gerow also has a brother, Sgt. Eric Gerow, who is in the same company and deploying as well.

“…where else do you get paid to be in shape…to learn how to shoot weapons,” said Sgt. Beatrice Halberg, another motivated Soldier with the 485th MP Company. “Nowhere else but in the Army, a good job, it’s a good day when you are in the Army.”

This will be the first deployment for the “Battle Born State’s” 485th MP Company.

• Date Taken: 09.20.2011
• Date Posted: 10.03.2011 12:23
• Story ID: 77942
• Location: MCGREGOR RANGE, NM, US