FORT DRUM, N.Y. -- Upon their return from northern Afghanistan last spring, members of the Military Police Platoon of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Brigade Special Troops Battalion, immediately began working toward their certification for patrolling the roads of Fort Drum.
Embarking on a four-month training cycle, the MPs conducted tasks and skills ranging from basic first aid and weapons, to experiencing oleoresin capsicum spray and being tasered.
The journey was not easy. Soldiers were required to conduct all necessary military police training as well as meet company training requirements. There were many long days and early mornings through all of the training.
"Everyone had a positive attitude even with the busy training schedule," said Spc. Christopher Velasquez.
Knowing that the training being conducted would help save lives, including their own, the MPs trained vigilantly and with a positive attitude. The majority of training was conducted by Military Police Platoon key leaders as well as squad and team leaders.
Staff Sgt. Joseph Ferlicka, who is certified as a nonlethal weapons instructor, was a primary instructor for this training. Ferlicka led many of the key training exercises such as the Oleoresin Capsicum spray portion, as well as the taser certification.
"I feel my instructors are very passionate and knowledgeable about their job, which leads me to strive to be a better Soldier and military police officer," said Pvt. Stephanie Sellhausen.
Having certified instructors within the MP Platoon made it much easier and effective when conducting training.
"The instructors are very knowledgeable, and it makes it easier to ask questions," said Spc. Douglas Champagne.
At the end of the training cycle, the MPs conducted their certification through the 91st Military
Police Battalion's Guardian Academy. The academy hosts a two-week-long certification that tests military police on skills needed for patrolling the roads of Fort Drum.
Soldiers were tested on such tasks as responding to a domestic disturbance, conducting traffic stops and maintaining traffic control points.
"The training is really good, because it gets you ready for the real-life situations we may face," said Pvt. Joshua Black.
The training uses real homes on Fort Drum and a dispatcher, making the training more effective for the Soldiers.
Many of the MPs have come straight out of advanced individual training at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., and have adapted well to the steep learning curve.
"My confidence level in traffic stops has risen from basic training by going through our certification," said Pvt. Ryan Smith.
The MPs of 1st BSTB will begin working the roads on Fort Drum for a three-month period in September.
Fisher serves as Military Police Platoon leader.
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