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JOINT SECUIRTY STATION ZAFARANIYA, Iraq (January 4,
2009) - Paratroopers assigned to the Military Police
platoon, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Brigade Special
Troops Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division,
Multi-National Division - Baghdad conducted a patrol in
neighborhoods surrounding Forward Operating Base Loyalty in eastern
Baghdad, Jan 14.
The MPs conduct this patrol twice a day for two reasons. The
first is to partner with National Police officers at checkpoints
and get familiarized with the surrounding area. The second is to
interact with Iraqi citizens and let them know Coalition Forces are
here to assist and keep them safe.
"We visit the NP checkpoints to work with them (NP) and let them
know we are here to help," said Sgt. Richard Sheetz, a team leader
with the MP platoon. "We have seen how the NP operate in the short
time we have been here (Iraq). They are checking cars and moving
traffic. They are doing the things they are suppose to do."
"Additionally, we like to let our presence known and tell the
Iraqi people we are here and we care," said the Galloway, N.J.
native.
Typically a MP serves in a law enforcement capacity on military
installations back in the U.S., but in combat MPs can be put in a
number of different roles. Sheetz said MPs are trained in both
tasks: a home station or "garrison" role and a combat role.
They can perform in operations typically done by infantry
Soldiers such as searching for improvised explosive devices and
providing convoy security. Sheetz said MPs are considered "a jack
of all trades."
Although some in the neighborhood were apprehensive at first,
the frequent MP patrols have been praised by residents in keeping
their neighborhoods safe.
"They were a little scared and hid away from us in the
beginning," said Sheetz. "But now they understand who we are, and
they are getting to know us. They are starting to talk and provide
us with information."
The frequent patrols have also been credited for allowing
Paratroopers on their first deployment to quickly become adjusted
to operations in a war environment.
"I am confident in driving around the neighborhoods now," said
Pvt. Rudy Cardona, a driver with the MP platoon. "I was nervous at
first about the roads because they are tight and there is a lot of
traffic but the experience has helped me along the way."
"Our leaders are always reminding us to be aware of IEDs and
muzzle awareness," said the native of Mansfield, Texas. "It is
something we are contently being stressed on."
On this day, the mission was a success. The neighborhood was
safe and the residents, especially children, happily greeted the
Paratroopers throughout the patrol. Overall, Sheetz is happy with
the way his team continues to perform and describes them as "a
well-oiled machine."
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