MPs train in riot, civil disturbance control
Staff Sgt. Greg Hatfield, MP squad leader, HHC, STB, 1st ABCT, left, explains how to be on guard during Rapid Reaction Force training Sept. 12 at Fort Riley. The MPs trained 1st Bn., 5th FA Regt. Soldiers on methods of using batons and riot shields as non-lethal means of riot and civil disturbance control. Photo by: Sgt. Kandi Huggins, 1ST ABCT.
1-5-FA-RRF-riot-shield.jpg
10
2012
121003140821.jpg
1BCT_SPECPhotos
|
Story by: Sgt. Kandi Huggins
1ABCT PUBLIC AFFAIRS
Military police with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Special Troops Battalion, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division trained Soldiers with the 1st Battalion, 5th Field Artillery, 1st ABCT on riot and civil disturbance control during 1st Bn, 5th FA's weeklong Rapid Reaction Force training.
For the training, the MPs introduced the "Destroyers" to non-lethal methods of controlling riots and civil disturbances.
"There's an initiative for units to be trained across the country (on riot control and civil disturbance tasks)," said Staff Sgt. Greg Hatfield, MP squad leader. "Through this initiative, active-duty Soldiers are taken to areas for reliefs and civil disturbances in the event of a riot or natural disaster."
The secretary of defense directed the establishment of a Rapid Reaction Force to enhance the ability to respond quickly to a varied range of contingencies within the Continental U.S. The "Devil" Brigade became responsible for training Soldiers to deploy as a Rapid Reaction Force in the central U.S. in accordance with this directive.
The five focuses for Rapid Reaction Force training includes the show of force/security force, control civil disturbances, defend/secure critical infrastructure protection sites, establish roadblocks/checkpoints and the employment of non-lethal capabilities.
With their main focuses being controlling civil disturbances and employing non-lethal capabilities, the MPs demonstrated how to use riot shields and defensive and offensive baton techniques to incapacitate hostile individuals and protect themselves in a crowd.
"We're showing them how to respond to civil disturbances appropriately and with the right amount of force to break up disturbances or control points, while protecting themselves and fellow Soldiers," said Spc. Jonathan King, MP.
The main emphasis of the training consisted of the Soldiers learning individual tasks of being a part of a riot control team and then putting them together and working as a team for when they move in formations.
Because the battalion was tasked to become a Rapid Reaction Force, it gave Soldiers – who otherwise stay behind a desk – an opportunity to do hands-on training.
"We do many things in the Army," said Pvt. Angel Medina, human resources personnel. "This is something different to do, but we will (still) be able to help people in the U.S."
By the end of this year, the Destroyers will be a trained and deployable rapid reaction force.