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GRAFENWÖHR, Germany — A military police Soldier is dispatched to an on-post residence for a domestic disturbance. The Soldier knocks on the door and identifies himself as “military police” to announce his presence. The sound of glass breaking and crying permeates the door. Just like instinct, the Soldier forces entry into the residence.
The 709th Military Police Battalion’s Road Warrior Challenge March 7 was designed to train for such scenarios and focused on professional law enforcement tactics, techniques and procedures and encouraged MP Soldiers to stay proficient in those skills.
“Being out there and helping people is really what I look forward to when I go to work in the morning,” said Pfc. Benjamin Varni, a gunner assigned to the 709th MP Bn. of the 21st Theater Sustainment Command’s 18th MP Brigade headquartered at Sembach.
The Road Warrior Challenge consisted of 16 Soldiers competing in nine events, including baton strike, field sobriety test, apprehension, casualty evaluation and active shooter lane.
“The commander’s intent was to put an emphasis back on professional law enforcement in the military police corps,” said 1st Lt. Garret Waugh, a plans officer with Headquarters, Headquarters Detachment, 709th MP Bn. “I hope this event gets Soldiers motivated and focused back on professional law enforcement because ultimately that’s why we are here.”
This event will become a quarterly challenge within the 709th with the Soldiers already preparing for the next challenge this May. This is an opportunity to test MP Soldiers on their professional law enforcement capabilities keeping these Soldiers competent in their field.
“Being a military policeman is about helping the community and keeping people safe,” Varni said. “They may not like me for doing it, but I’d rather be out there and take the heat for helping them than letting them get hurt or putting someone in a situation that is going to hurt those around them.”
As often as first responders respond to an incident, it is imperative to identify strengths and weaknesses and have the opportunity to improve on weak areas and leverage strengths. This challenge gave Soldiers that opportunity.
“This experience has taught me to be more fluid and free thinking, because when you respond to a call you never know the situation you are walking up on,” said Spc. Richard Spurgeon, commander’s driver, HHD, 709th MP Bn.
“This was a good opportunity to test myself, see how much I have learned since working here and see what else I still have to learn,” said Spc. Michael Randall, team leader and patrolman with the 615th MP Co.
“I think professional law enforcement is the one thing that separates us (from all other branches), especially in peacetime, keeping us relevant to the force,” Waugh said.
