The quarterly assignment identifies a battalion on a rotational basis to train as the Crisis Response Battalion (CRB), whose personnel will remain on call to assist in securing Fort Drum in the event of a large scale emergency.
"CRB is an on order mission from division to support key facilities across the installation in the event of a terrorist attack, natural disaster, or anything that (would require) additional security," explained Maj. Erik Corcoran, executive officer, 210th BSB.
Upon notification of their new mission the "Providers" quickly contacted the Directorate of Emergency Services (DES) to help train them before they assumed their new responsibilities.
"They have to have specialized training that is more law enforcement pertinent," stated Sgt. Morgan Cady, DES. "For example today we are working on civil disturbance operations, riot control formations, riot control equipment, and how to execute movements associated with these elements of civil disturbance control."
The previous day Soldiers learned how to search vehicles and people, secure key buildings, and how to conduct and set up perimeter security.
Cady described the circumstances that would dictate their newly acquired skill set to be used as a possible, but an unlikely scenario.
When the manning at the gates increases and neither DES nor the 91st Military Police Battalion would be able to handle the complete commitment we would need the assistance of 201th BSB to maintain the security on Fort Drum explained Cady.
Cady continued to explain that no matter how well you've mastered the drills, the training only works if conducted as a team.
"As military police everything we do is oriented around the squad concept," stated Cady. "Whereas the support battalions are not as squad oriented, they are more section oriented. So making them understand the small team concept is vital in their success."
Sgt. Linda Vargas, light wheeled vehicle mechanic, B Company, said the event taught her to lead Soldiers as a singular force.
"It's not about you as an individual," she said. "You have to move together, if you're not willing to comply or you don't have team integrity you'll create a gap in the formation and now you've taken out what you're protecting."
The two-day-training event ended with a crowd control scenario.
Armed with riot shields half of the Soldiers formed a protective line while the other half attempted to break through the human barricade.
While some "rioters" were allowed through the line, per their training guidance, the majority was held at bay.
Major Corcoran, complimented DES on their support in preparing the Soldiers of 210th BSB, and explained the mission is all about readiness.
"We've got to be able to react," he said. "It comes down to the Army getting after the readiness piece. Whether it's personnel, vehicles, or training it adds another layer for us to focus on. The call may never come, but it's 'are you ready if it does?' "
Social Sharing