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The colors casing ceremony for the 95th Military Police Battalion, held at the Sports Arena on Sullivan Barracks in Mannheim Jan. 21, marked its third deployment in support of operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom.
“This great unit now answers its third call to arms for our nation, twice to Iraq and now to Afghanistan,” said Col. Thomas Evans, 18th Military Police Brigade commander.
The unit will conduct and supervise host nation police building operations in support of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division and Combined Joint Task Force 82nd Airborne Division’s action plans to enhance the capabilities of the Afghan National Police.
“Our mission, simply stated, is to increase the capabilities of the Afghan National Police across four provinces in Eastern Afghanistan by partnering with and living alongside and with its police and citizens … this headquarters will represent one fourth of the country’s entire effort to develop and enhance police capabilities,” said Lt. Col. Duane Miller, 95th MP Bn. commander.
It does not seem to matter much whether it is a Soldier’s first deployment, second, third or even fourth. The Soldiers are willing and eager to deploy.
“This is my first deployment and I am ready to go. I feel we are all well trained and prepared for this deployment, for our mission,” said Spc. Jarid Matthews, a mechanic with the 95th MP Bn.
“You are ready. I see it in your eyes. I see it in the way you stand in formation, heads high, chest out – you will tackle your upcoming mission with a sense of loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and with personal courage because you are Soldiers,” Colonel Miller said.
On the other hand, there is the hardship of separation and the uncertainty and challenges inherent to each deployment.
“You never know what to expect. In that sense, each deployment is like the first. You can’t ever get complacent. No matter how confident and well prepared you feel, each mission is unique,” said 1st Lt. Brian Kelly, a police mentor trainer with the 95th MP Bn.
“It never gets easy. Each deployment, each mission has unique challenges. And, a year is a very long time to be away from your family and kids. Things change so fast,” Colonel Miller said.
Knowing there are a number of resources and widespread support for family members at the home station helps. The people in the Mannheim community, the 21st Theater Sustainment Command and the 18th MP Bde. as well as the 95th MP Bn. rear detachment all form a support network that goes well beyond the family readiness groups, Colonel Miller said.
