384th MP Bn. moves through Bliss, departs for Afghanistan
Soldiers from the 384th Military Police Battalion, Army Reservists from Fort Wayne, Ind., receive their final safety briefing Oct. 2 at the Departure/Arrival Airfield Control Group facility before departing to Afghanistan. Photo by Ashley M. Alameda, DoMaD Public Affairs.
DoMaD Public Affairs:
Approximately 135 Army Reservists based in Fort Wayne, Ind., left Fort Bliss for Afghanistan the night of Oct. 2 after completing five weeks of pre-deployment training.
The 384th Military Police Battalion arrived to Fort Bliss Aug. 25. The training the unit received, provided by 5th Armored Brigade and the 402nd Field Artillery Bde., consisted of multiple classes, ranges and exercises, which sharpened skills like weapons and driver’s training, convoy operations, cultural awareness and first aid.
Lt. Col. Kevin Keen, battalion commander, said the most memorable and probably most exciting day of training was the mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicle egress trainer, or MRAP MET, a simulator that teaches Soldiers how to react in the event of an MRAP rollover.
“It was a highlight for everyone,” said Keen. “It was fun once it was done, but when you’re in there, it’s very stressful, and that’s the key thing to remember. It’s done for a purpose, and its one of those skills we hope to never have to exercise.”
Soldiers from the 384th Military Police Battalion, Army Reservists from Fort Wayne, Ind., wave as they board a plane to Afghanistan Oct. 2 at Biggs Army Airfield. Photo by Ashley M. Alameda, DoMaD Public Affairs.
Battalion Command Sgt. Maj. Edward Simpson said he and all his Soldiers are ready and have been waiting for this day for a long time.
“The mobilization and deployment process for the Army Reserves is a long process, and it almost seems like the day will never get here so we’re happy. A lot of happy Soldiers are in that room over there,” Simpson said while pointing at the briefing room in the Departure/Arrival Airfield Control Group facility, where the battalion awaited their last brief before boarding the flight. “We’re looking forward to going on to Afghanistan and completing our mission, and some are already looking forward to coming home.”
“Every Soldier in our ranks is an exceptional Soldier,” said Keen. “We have our shining stars, but every Soldier in the 384th is an outstanding Soldier in their own right, and every one of them can be proud. The command sergeant major and I are proud of every one of them.”
“We challenge our Soldiers to have individual goals and plans, but we also encourage team goals,” said Simpson. “It is my goal to bring them back even better Soldiers.”
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