An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : News : Article View
NEWS | June 28, 2022

Washington Guard MPs Train on Law Enforcement Skills

By Joseph Siemandel, Joint Force Headquarters - Washington National Guard

CAMP MURRAY, Wash. – Building off last year’s comprehensive annual training, Washington National Guard members from the 506th Military Police Detachment developed their law enforcement skills during training this month.

“We wanted to train in an immersive environment, exercising a variety of patrol skills and building situational awareness through scenarios that provided appropriate challenges in both complexity level and pace,” said Capt. Daniel Lamothe, commander, 506th Military Police Detachment. “We pushed Soldiers to conduct proactive patrols and provided opportunities to identify and respond to situations that require police action or investigation.”

Soldiers of the 506th were tested on their law enforcement abilities June 3-17. Soldiers began by being exposed to a stun gun and oleoresin capsicum spray.

“The Taser and OC are non-lethal weapons that Soldiers may need to use when out in the field, so they are required to be certified on them both,” said Lamothe.

Soldiers participated in Emergency Vehicle Operator Course training with the Washington State Patrol, learning how to drive safely in emergencies and operate patrol vehicles.

During the second week, classroom instruction and practical exercises focused on elements of crime, collision investigation, search and seizures, report writing, patrol tactics, and use of force policy. Guard members with the Washington National Guard’s Counterdrug Program also conducted tactical medical training. 

“Our Soldiers learned how to apply several different techniques such as the proper use of tourniquets to control life-threatening bleeding during care under fire,” said Lamothe.

To finish annual training, the Soldiers took part in a full-scale law enforcement exercise. The four-day exercise simulated patrol shifts to test a Soldier’s ability to solve problems while identifying and responding to a wide range of calls for service.

“Our military police officers responded to domestic violence, burglary, theft, suspicious vehicle and persons, assaults, alarm calls, etc.,” said Lamothe. “They performed outstandingly during this period, and it shows every day in their work ethic and demeanor.”
 

 

 

Related Articles
Washington National Guard Soldiers with the 506th Military Police train on a high-risk traffic stop as part of their annual training June 14, 2021, at Camp Murray, Wash. The 506th Military Police focused annual training this year on developing the skills of newer Soldiers.
506th Military Police train to develop new Soldiers
By Joseph Siemandel, | July 9, 2021
CAMP MURRAY, Wash. – For the Citizen-Soldiers of the 506th Military Police Detachment, this year’s annual training was a chance to return to collective unit training and develop new Soldiers' skills.“As a large percentage of...

Photo of medical training during a Port Subject Matter Expert Exchange at the Port of Laem Chabang, Thailand, August 20, 2025. (Courtesy Photo)
Washington Guard Continues Strengthening Relationship at Thailand’s Port of Laem Chabang
By Joseph Siemandel, | Sept. 30, 2025
CAMP MURRAY, Wash. - Four members of the Washington National Guard partnered recently with more than 170 employees from the Port of Laem Chabang, Thailand, to continue improving the port’s all-hazard response as part of the...

Maj. Gen. Gent Welsh, the adjutant general of the Washington National Guard, and Lt. Gen. Nur Hafis bin Abdul Karim, deputy chief of the Royal Malaysian Air Force, exchange gifts during an office visit Sept. 12, 2025, at Camp Murray, Wash. The Washington National Guard and Malaysia have been partners through the National Guard State Partnership Program since August 2017.
Washington Guard Hosts Visit From Royal Malaysian Air Force Deputy Chief
By Joseph Siemandel, | Sept. 16, 2025
CAMP MURRAY, Wash. - The Washington National Guard welcomed a senior delegation from Malaysia as part of its long-standing partnership Sept. 11 – 13 at Camp Murray and Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. The delegation included...