Photo By Lt. Col. Deanna Bague | 50th Infantry Brigade Combat Team Soldiers train how to evacuate a mock detainee...... read more read more
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By Maj. Deanna Bague
Fort Bliss Public Affairs
CAMP CROPPER, Iraq – Soldiers from the 50th Infantry Brigade Combat Team and the 11th Military Police Brigade who were mobilized at Fort Bliss for training prior to their deployment here said they have been provided with a strong foundation for the various missions they are performing.
"Everything we did at McGregor [Range, N.M.] and Contingency Operating Base Westbrook prepared us [for] here in many different ways," said Spc. Dave Allonardo of B Company, 1st Battalion, 114th Infantry. "Some things were more helpful than others, but overall everything we did there was essential for our mission here in Iraq."
During their mobilization at Fort Bliss, about 100 elements from the 11th MP Bde. and 1st Bn., 114th Inf., participated in a mission-readiness exercise at McGregor Range. This staff exercise primarily prepared the Soldiers for various missions at Camp Cropper, said Maj. Eric Larson, public affairs officer for the 11th MPs. Both units formed relationships at McGregor and several Soldiers said they appreciated the realism of the training because it took everyone to a new level of seriousness.
Larson said the 11th MP Bde. assumed the detainee operations mission here but is also responsible for providing administrative and logistical support to subordinate units. The 1-114th Inf. is one of these units, he said. These Soldiers provide base defense and secure the perimeter.
"We are the first and last line of defense against anything that happens on or around this forward operating base," said Allonardo as he manned an entry control point.
Other unit members of the close-knit infantry unit are as highly motivated about their missions as Allonardo. Spc. Heather Dinapoli is part of the quick reactionary force that secures the perimeter. She was one of several females transferred into the traditionally all-male infantry unit during the 50th IBCT's mobilization.
"Get used to it," said Dinapoli. "This is just the beginning."
Dinapoli said there was a learning period for both males and females, and necessary adjustments were made gradually. Everyone is past that now, she said.
"We are just one happy family," said Dinapoli. "They treat me like their little sister, and I treat them like my brothers."
Yet another mission some of the 50th IBCT Soldiers are involved in here is detainee operations, during which they work inside the theater internment facility. Staff Sgt. Dennis Mahon, compound shift leader for the 50th Special Troops Battalion, said he is responsible for the operating order of the compound.
Mahon said he is able to tap into the detainee operations training he received at Fort Bliss when executing tasks such as processing detainees and taking care of their needs.
"We didn't come in blind," said Mahon. "We had [training] in a little bit of everything ... [which] provided a very good idea and outline for the actual operation."
Pfc. Martin Julian of B Battery, 3rd Bn., 112th Field Artillery, said what he remembers most from the training at McGregor is the emphasis that was placed on treating detainees with respect. When he arrived at the TIF, Julian said he was particularly encouraged by programs he learned, and offered to educate and teach detainees vocational skills.
"It looks like they're actually moving forward after their time here," said Julian. "Back home you don't know how [things] are going, but here you kind of see a positive outlook on it."
| Date Taken: | 10.16.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 12.05.2008 18:26 |
| Story ID: | 27241 |
| Location: | IQ |
| Web Views: | 365 |
| Downloads: | 276 |
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