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.”