MPs visit prison, prepare for deployment

By U.S. ArmyNovember 15, 2011

FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. -- Soldiers from the 13th Military Police Company visited the South Central Correctional Center Wednesday as they prepare for their new combat mission: Internment/Resettlement Operations.

The company is slated to deploy next year in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

"Basically, the company recently completed a series of qualifications to certify them to handle this important mission," said Lt. Justin Mills, 13th MP Co. executive officer. "They trained on things like following chain of custody, maintaining control of detainees and handling inmate resistance."

The company culminated their training with a trip to the prison to gain first-hand experience of what they can expect downrange, said Mills.

This deployment will be the first IR Operations mission that the company has had, but they do not go without backup.

"It is my job to ensure that our Soldiers have a solid knowledge base on the custody and control of detainees," said Staff Sgt. Jeremy Seibold, an IR specialist assigned to the 13th MP Co. "The only difference between prison facilities here or there is that they may have anti-American sentiments."

Seibold has previously deployed in support of Operation New Dawn.

"But the bottom line is that any detainee still deserves to be treated humanely and our guys are going to ensure that happens," he said.

By observing Missouri prison guards, the company gained valuable insight for their upcoming mission, he added.

The company is scheduled to conduct additional field training later this month.