268th MP Company Patrol Life Support Area

Courtesy Photo | Soldiers from 268th Military Police Company, Ripley, Tenn., keep close intervals between their vehicles during a patrol mission in Kuwait.  

LIFE SUPPORT AREA, KUWAIT

12.25.2011

Courtesy Story

1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 34th Red Bull Infantry Division

KUWAIT - When asked to describe his unit’s mission in one word, 1st Lt. Hahn, platoon leader, 1st Platoon, 268th MP Company, answered “busy.”

First Platoon, 268th MP Company is assigned to the Life Support Area, Kuwait. The platoon maintains a high level of camp security through a schedule of aggressive patrols, conducting enhanced security tasks at different locations on and off post, and by managing security for on post morale, welfare, and recreation and recreational events.

During patrols outside the post, the platoon is responsible for checking the integrity of berms and ensuring restricted areas are not violated. Having a constant military presence outside of the post allows all of the organization on the LSA to enjoy enhanced situational awareness of constantly changing security and safety conditions affecting the post.

In addition to security outside the base, 1st Platoon is also responsible for conducting security patrols on post. The platoon conducts patrols inside the perimeter of the post, checking the integrity of the security barriers and other restricted areas. The soldiers also conduct crime prevention patrols in the billeting and common areas, ensuring the safety of personnel and security of property throughout the post.

Event security is one more way 1st Platoon contributes to the security of property and personnel assigned to LSA. To date, the platoon has provided security for NFL Cheerleaders, concerts featuring Charlie Wilson, Tech N9ne, Estelle and Chamillionaire, with several more events slated through the holiday season.

The platoon’s security presence ensures that each event is safe, secure, and enjoyable for the celebrities, event staff and the soldiers and civilians attending the shows.

As would be expected, the platoon could not carry out their important job without a high level of preparation and constant coordination between the various security and emergency agencies sharing the burden of keeping the residents and property safe and secure.

Besides ensuring the platoon’s equipment stays at a high level of mission readiness, “squad leaders always conduct battle drills, training and mission briefs prior to missions,” said Sgt 1st Class Brian Goode, platoon sergeant, 1st Platoon, 268th MP Company.

The platoon’s headquarters section closely coordinates with the other security and safety agencies by synchronizing joint patrols with Air Force security forces, and augmenting the security posture at entry points and assisting law enforcement personnel during special events and projects.

The platoon’s commitment to the safety and security of personnel and property of LSA is evident in their enthusiasm and creative approach to the mission. Sgt Lisa Altbach, team leader in 1st Squad, 1st Platoon, says they find interesting ways to complete their mission, such as going to different points on the patrols and dismounting their vehicles at selected locations to gain a different perspective and better understanding of the patrol area.

Every soldier assigned to 1st Platoon acknowledges that their mission directly contributes to the United States mission in Kuwait, by allowing soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and civilians living at or passing through the LSA to carry out their duties with the confidence that their safety and security is the top priority for the soldiers of 1st Platoon, 268th MP Company.

• Date Taken: 12.25.2011
• Date Posted: 12.29.2011 06:28
• Story ID: 81847
• Location: LIFE SUPPORT AREA, KW