Photo By Sgt. David Turner | First Sgt. Pedro Guevara and Capt. Chris Hall of the 230th Military Police Company...... read more read more
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By Sgt. David Turner
4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division
FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq – Soldiers of the 230th Military Police Company received the Griffin Award for the best MP company in the Army's European Command during a ceremony at Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Dec. 8.
The Griffin Award is based on several accomplishments, including training, physical fitness and weapons qualifications. Master Sgt. Chris Wunsch, a native of Spokane, Wash., said the training and preparation for the company's deployment was what helped them win the award.
"We had a very extensive, strenuous 10-month train-up prior to coming to Iraq," said Wunsch, who is the company's operations non-commissioned officer. "Since we've been on the ground, [the] training has totally paid off. I'm very proud of the company."
The 230th MP Co. has been attached to the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division since arriving in Iraq in January. During that time, they have worked closely with the Iraqi police, providing training and support in operations.
"This unit has performed above and beyond. I've never seen an MP company with these standards, military bearing and operational prowess, especially considering 85 percent of the battle roster is on their first deployment. They came in here like they've been doing this their entire careers," said Capt. Chris Hall, company commander and a native of Cana, Va.
In nine months, the Soldiers took the unit from being one of the least capable in the 18th MP Brigade to the best unit in Europe, said Hall. "It was more than just the training."
Hall attributed the company's achievement to the discipline and pride of the unit, as well as the development of his non-commissioned officers.
During the past 11 months, the Soldiers' work has paid-off with increased security and greater professionalism in the Iraqi police units they help train. In addition to taking the lead in 4th BCT's efforts to train the IP, the 230th's work is becoming a model for coalition police training programs throughout southern and central Iraq, said Hall.
"Multi-National Division – Center is taking our Iraqi police sustainment training and making it their own," he said.
By winning the Griffin Award, the 230th MP Co. will be eligible for the Holland Award, an Army-wide prize for the most outstanding active Army MP unit, company size or smaller.
Several individual Soldiers of the company also received honors.
Spc. Samantha Knoll, a native of Cleveland, received the Soldier Medal for her actions on March 14, when she helped save the lives of three Soldiers after an improvised explosive device detonated during her convoy.
| Date Taken: | 12.08.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 12.09.2008 12:26 |
| Story ID: | 27384 |
| Location: | ISKANDARIYAH, IQ |
| Web Views: | 834 |
| Downloads: | 450 |
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