FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. (May 17, 2012) -- Since its formation in 2008, members of the Reserve's 200th Military Police Command have sought better ways to train and actually perform their military jobs while not deployed.
Thanks to a new arrangement with Fort Meade's 241st MP Detachment, they have what may be the ultimate answer.
On May 6, nine Soldiers from the 200th MP Command worked alongside their active-duty counterparts to provide security for the post's annual Massing of the Colors. Reservists from the 200th MP headquarters and 400th MP Battalion completed specialized training with the 241st MP over the previous three months to be certified to work on post.
Training culminated May 5 with baton and pepper-spray training that left Soldiers in tears. After taking direct shots of oleoresin capsicum pepper spray in their eyes, the MPs had to fight through the pain and disorientation to complete a series of crowd-control exercises with a padded baton and eventually "arrest" a heavily-padded troublemaker.
As the sprayed MPs scrubbed their burning eyes and faces with baby shampoo after the training, it could seem that the exercise was a little extreme. But 241st MP Operations Noncommissioned Officer Sgt. Andrew Lavigne said getting sprayed with OC gives MPs a sense of the chaos that follows the use of pepper spray and prepares them to continue to control the situation if accidentally sprayed.
Certifying the first nine Reserve MPs to work on Fort Meade is just the start of an ongoing program in which the 241st MP will continue to train 200th MPs either one weekend a month for four consecutive months or during two-week annual training periods to qualify them to work on the installation.
In return, the 241st MP can call on these certified MPs to assist with special events such as the Massing of the Colors, MeadeFest, military trials and other occasions as needed. Certified MPs also will be able to work with the 241st MP on a monthly basis instead of attending its regular Reserve training, as permissible.
"It's a win-win for everyone," Capt. Kristen Gary, of the 200th MP Command, said.
The arrangement came about, Gary said, after working in the 200th MP's Provost Marshal Office several months ago. She saw MPs unable to perform their military job during their monthly training
For most military occupational specialties, this is not a problem.
Gary contacted Capt. Randy Schilling, operations officer for the Directorate of Emergency Services and former commander of the 241st MP. Together, they worked out a mutually beneficial memorandum of agreement.
With Fort Meade MPs assigned to conduct traffic control, investigations, K9 and Criminal Investigation Command assignments, Schilling said the 241st MP has "a full load for a detachment of 53" and welcomes MPs from the 200th MP Command to enhance the force for special events or to assist in regular operations.
In a break-in training Saturday morning, Spc. Joseph Kozlowski, of 200th MP headquarters and a law student with aspirations of becoming an officer for the Judge Advocate General, said training with the 241st MP built on the basics he learned at the Army's MP school.
Kozlowski said he looks forward to performing MP duties and gaining experience in his current position.
After taking a shot of pepper spray in the face and demonstrating riot-control skills, Kozlowski completed the 241st MP's training requirements with a reddened face and tearful eyes, but better prepared to maintain law and order.
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