Black Jack MPs take on elite training
August 27, 2010
FORT HOOD, Texas- With a loud bang and flash of light, six Soldiers rapidly enter a building, and then in pairs, kick in doors. Small-arms fire erupts, and as quickly as it started; it's over.
This was one scenario played out by military policemen from the 2nd Special Troops Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, during the Special Reactionary Team (SRT) phase one training at the Fort Hood shoot house, Aug 25.
The training, hosted by 2nd STB and conducted by instructors from the Advanced Law Enforcement Training Division, United States Army Military Police School (USAMPS), Fort Leonardwood, Mo., was a two week event open to all military police throughout the 1st Cav. Div.
For two weeks, USAMPS instructors taught military police on SRT tactics including; building entry and clearing, advanced marksmanship and occupancy control.
The tactics and skills learned from the training are equivalent to a civilian Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT) and are beneficial to every military policeman's career.
"If they (military policemen) go to other installations within the continental U.S., they have the opportunity of trying out for that installation (SRT) team," said an instructor. "They're already qualified."
For Spc. Joshua Ohm, a military policeman with the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, with one year of experience, the training allowed him to grow in his field and hone in on his current skills.
"I'm very confident with both my weapon systems now, a lot more than what I was," said Ohm. "I feel I can go into a room and clear it properly. It's gotten me over the fear of flash bangs."
After three years on the job, Sgt. Steven Stone, a military policeman with HHC, said small team tactics and marksmanship are what he took away from the training most.
The focus on stateside operations and the use of smaller teams was also helpful, he added.
In addition to stateside tactics, the training involved military urban operations.
Phase one of the training is just the beginning for the Soldiers. They have an opportunity to complete a phase two training, which encompasses sniper tactics or the Soldiers qualify to try out for a military SRT.
Both Ohm and Stone said they desire to join an SRT if given the opportunity.
The ALETD is available at the request of your installation to provide instruction to military police from all armed service branches and DA civilians.