18th MP BDE prepares for deployment

The 18th Military Police Brigade conducted a mission readiness exercise March 5 through 29 in Grafenwöhr, Germany. The MRE is in preparation for the brigade’s upcoming deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

During the exercise, the “Ever Vigilant” brigade was vigorously tested by a Mission Command Training Program team from Fort Leavenworth, Kan. These teams travel around the world to train and certify various units before deployment.

“The MRE was a great opportunity to get everybody together and test the battle drills that we put together,” said Master Sgt. Jamie Kleppen, operations NCO. “It identified holes in what we were doing and it also gave us an opportunity to fill those holes with training and rehearsals and testing them in a practical setting.”

The 18th MP Bde. will have a vital task of mentoring the ANA in detainee operations in efforts to maintain secure and humane care, custody and control of all detainees assigned to the Afghan National Detention Facility-Parwan.

“I think the MRE prepared me for my deployment because I worked the system that I will use downrange to maintain accountability of the detainees,” said Sgt. Derek Smith, detainee information systems management operator. “Some of the situations I felt were realistic and could happen downrange. Using battle drills to react proficiently and in a timely manner. In those situations it helps me prepare myself.”

The 18th MP Bde. will be instrumental in the preparation to set the proper conditions to transfer all U.S. based facilities to the Afghan National Army in efforts to bring peace and stability to Afghanistan.