Author’s note: This is the second story of a three-part series covering the integration of 2nd Supply Battalion and Norwegian Forces during Cold Response 2014. Part three will focus on staff integration between the Norwegians and Marines.
VAERNES GARRISON, Norway - Military policemen wearing the uniforms of two nations came together to train, learn and ensure the safety of service members before and during Cold Response 2014.
“We’ve been going out on patrols, going out on ranges and talking about different tactics,” said Sgt. James J. Cassidy, a native of Philadelphia, Pa., and military policeman with 2nd Supply Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 25, 2nd Marine Logistics Group. “It’s to transfer knowledge, training and experience. Anyone will tell you in any sort of police job that nobody knows everything.”
The MPs from both nations used their time together as an opportunity to learn as much about their counterpart’s operations as possible. They discussed differing law enforcement tactics during traffic stops, approaching stopped vehicles, and suspect searches and apprehension.
“We have exchanged experiences and talked about differences and similarities between the two organizations,” said Sgt. Paal S. Nilsen, a native of Tanem, Norway, and military policeman with Home Guard District 12. “We’ve been on patrols in Stjordal and Trondheim to show our presence and prevent unwanted activities.”
Several of the Norwegian MPs had more than 10 years of law enforcement and security skills from both the military and civilian service, which gave them knowledge and training useful for a variety of situations.
“When you gather people and experience in one room with everyone talking about their experiences, it’s invaluable training, especially for the younger MPs who have only done field work or have only done [operational military police work],” said Cassidy. “These gentlemen have been in law enforcement for [a long time]. When you get all that experience together – 26 years, 14 years, 15 years and my six years – you have a really good training evolution.”
The MPs with 2nd Supply Bn. are scheduled to travel above the Arctic Circle during Cold Response, where they may conduct field MP exercises with convoys, setting up and holding defensive positions and patrolling while continuing to work with the Norwegians, as well as military police from other participating nations.
“I think it will be just fine, [the Marines and sailors] represent America in a good way,” said Nilsen. “We learned about your standards when interacting with personnel from 2nd Supply Bn., and not only standards, but behavior in every way. The American personnel have been excellent.”