W. Va. National Guard unit leaves Ramadi, drawdown continues

Photo By Master Sgt. Patrick Malone | The 151st Military Police Battalion of the West Virginia National Guard stands in formation at a color-casing ceremony marking the end of their deployment to Ramadi, Iraq, July 5. The battalion's primary role during their deployment to Al Anbar province was to train their Iraqi police counterparts, but they also completed the successful transfer of Camp Al Taqaddum to the Government of Iraq, the largest base closure in Anbar to date.  

CAMP RAMADI, IRAQ

07.05.2010

Story by Sgt. 1st Class Patrick Malone 

1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division Public Affairs

CAMP RAMADI, Iraq – A West Virginia National Guard battalion cased its colors here July 5, the latest unit to end its mission in Anbar province as U.S. forces continue the responsible drawdown of troops in Iraq.

Lt. Col. James McHugh, commander of 151st Military Police Battalion, addressed Soldiers of 1st Advise and Assist Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division, United States Division-Center, and his Soldiers, who were charged with training a professional Iraqi Police.

“Our Soldiers have worked hard to establish an effective and enduring IP training program, which played, and will continue to play, a significant role in the advancement of the rule of law throughout al Anbar province,” said McHugh.

During their deployment, the battalion formed mobile police training teams, emphasizing the importance of physical evidence in prosecuting criminals and terrorists.

The “Devil Guard” battalion designed and taught more than 50 courses, covering more than 15 subjects, to 2,000-plus Iraqi police officers. Curriculum included sensitive site exploitation, entry control point operations and advanced investigative techniques.

“Task Force 151 exemplified our advise-and-assist mission in Iraq through their very capable execution of security force assistance and stability operations,” said Col. Mark Stammer, commander of 1/82 AAB. “Their unique blend of military knowledge, along with extensive and diverse civilian skill sets, brought a special dynamic to the Devil team.”

The 151st also prepared Camp al Taqaddum for its Jan. 15 closure and transfer to the Government of Iraq.

At its peak, Camp TQ, as it was known, had been home to more than 7,500 U.S. personnel and thousands of pieces of equipment worth nearly $90 million. The transfer marked the largest base closure in the Anbar province to date.

McHugh said he appreciated the overwhelming support provided by Stammer and the 1/82 AAB staff as the military police battalion completed its first deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, providing the 151st with new systems and capabilities they’ll use to teach and coach other West Virginia units.

The guard unit, based in Dunbar, W. Va., was activated Oct. 1, 2004. It is the only unit, outside of the Army’s military police regiment, to use the symbolic “Harper’s Ferry” crossed pistols in the distinctive unit insignia. Harpers Ferry is located in West Virginia.

• Date Taken: 07.05.2010
• Date Posted: 07.10.2010 03:34
• Story ID: 52636
• Location: CAMP RAMADI, IQ