218th ends OIF mission, 512th steps in to replace

Photo By Staff Sgt. Edward Siguenza | Lt. Col. Richard Giles, commander of the 217th Military Police Battalion, 49th Military Police Brigade, acknowledges the outgoing unit, the 218th Military Police Company, and recognizes the incoming unit, the 512th Military Police Company, during a Transfer of Authority March 28 in Kirkuk, Iraq. The 218th ended a year-long mission and returns to Fort Campbell, Ky.  

KIRKUK, IRAQ

03.28.2010

Story by Spc. Edward Siguenza 

49th Military Police Brigade

KIRKUK, Iraq — In one of his final orders to the 218th Military Police Company, Capt. Early Howard Jr., announced, "Fall out."

And in one of his first commands in Iraq to the 512th MP Company, Capt. Tim Heisler replied, "Fall in."

The two company commanders exchanged orders March 28 during a Transfer of Authority here, marking the end of the 218th's year-long deployment and the beginning of the 512th's mission. The 218th heads home to Fort Campbell, Ken., after completing its Operation Iraqi Freedom obligation.

"The deployment was extremely beneficial for us being a young company, one to actually get a deployment under its belt," said Howard. "This just gave Soldiers confidence in themselves. What we trained on prior to coming over here actually benefitted them. It helped them sustain and make it through all the adverse situations we found ourselves in. To get through it all, I think that was the best thing."

The 218th participated in more than 1,500 combat support missions, supporting transition training with the Iraqi police. The unit worked with more than 30 police stations and 1,700 local investigators. Howard said the 218th validated or maintained validation of 28 police stations and conducted more than 50 humanitarian drops. The drops included giving gifts, food, supplies and other necessities to schools and outlets.

"It's a special day when we can transfer authority of one critical mission of a fine company to another," said Lt. Col. Richard Giles, commander of the 317th MP Battalion. "I thank the 218th for setting the highest of standards within the most critical mission in Iraq. The impressive numbers of missions, partnerships and investigations are not as important as you have changed the hearts and minds of Iraqis for generations to come."

Brig. Gen. Donald Currier, commander of the 49th Military Police Brigade, presided over the ceremony. The 218th was part of the 49th, yet served simultaneous missions with 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. The 218th partnered to train military policemen from the 12th Iraqi Army Division.

Among its main responsibilities, Howard said the early-March Iraq national election was one of the 218th's pivotal missions. It provided additional security at nearby provinces but let the Iraqis run their own police operations.

"Being here to support the national parliamentary elections, that was a big takeaway for the Soldiers," said Howard. "We were a part of making history. We came here and achieved our initial mission of establishing and sustaining Iraqi police primacy throughout Kirkuk. And we were the only ones to actually achieve that."

The unit was the sole MP company in its Iraq province.

Giles lauded the 218th, but also commended the 512th for accepting this mission. There is still so much to do, so many police transition team missions, Giles explained.

"In this family, the standards are high and the expectations are great," Giles added. "The next year in Iraq will be some of the most dynamic and exciting times in history. The 512th will have a front row seat to them."

"The best advice I can pass on to the 512th is just be flexible and responsible. Throughout all the uncertainty, remain proactive as possible," Howard told his replacements. "Your mission will constantly change. You have to remain flexible and adapt to whatever comes your way."

The 512th is based out of Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Its rich history dates back to the Vietnam and Korean wars. It was re-activated October 2008. This 2010 mission marks its first OIF deployment.

"Our main focus will be police transition training, getting Iraqi police trained up, "said Heisler." This is a crucial mission. We'll take it full on."

• Date Taken: 03.28.2010
• Date Posted: 04.06.2010 04:10
• Story ID: 47727
• Location: KIRKUK, IQ