Military Police contains information about military police functions in maneuver and mobility support, area security, law and order, internment/resettlement, and police intelligence operations.
Issue link: https://militarypolice.epubxp.com/i/655275
60 MILITARY POLICE By Sergeant Jajuan X. Burton O n 18 September 2015, the 513th Military Police Detachment hosted a military working dog (MWD) kennel-opening ceremony. The opening of this ken- nel serves as the focal point for MWD operations in support of the Fort Bliss, Texas, law enforcement mission; national interest; and worldwide contingency operations. The Army has provided the 513th Military Police Detach- ment with additional resources to compete with the rapid growth of Fort Bliss and the booming Soldier population. The 513th provides law enforcement support to the instal- lation, the Nation, and overseas locations. The 513th Mili- tary Police Detachment MWDs previously shared a building with the customs and border patrol dogs, but there was not enough space for expansion. Construction of the new kennel facility spanned 4 years, cost $2 million, and required a col- laborative effort with multiple organizations. The 93d Military Police Battalion command sergeant major and assistant director of emergency services and his staff were instrumental in lobbying for this project from its inception. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Fort Bliss Department of Public Works interfaced with the con- tractors to ensure that a quality facility was delivered and swiftly addressed all issues during the construction phase. These agencies ensured that the facility was in compliance with the contract and Department of Defense standards and that the 513th Military Police Detachment received an op- erational facility. The Fort Bliss veterinary team provided an excellent building inspection. It identifed more than 55 issues and wrote a thorough assessment that was critical in improving the functionality and the safety of the Soldiers and MWDs. Air Force Master Sergeant Allen Farkas (Retired) was the guest speaker at the Fort Bliss MWD kennel-opening ceremony. He was selected because of his extensive career in law enforcement and his service as an MWD handler. He also had a connection with the Soldiers; he had been as- signed to Biggs Air Field, Fort Bliss, with the 95th Air Po- lice Squadron and Sentry Dog Section more than 50 years ago. Master Sergeant Farkas and his dog were responsible for securing the nuclear silos positioned on Biggs Army Air- feld. According to Air Force Manual 125-6, USAF Sentry Dog Manual, the Sentry Dog Program had but one objective: "To provide commanders with a means for increasing the security of restricted areas and for protecting government property against theft or pilferage." 1 The armed forces have continuously strived for improved MWD team capabili- ties. The Sentry Dog Program was the precursor of today's MWD program. According to current Army Regulation (AR) 190-12, Military Working Dogs: "Military working dog teams are used in garrison and combat support missions including area security; movement and mobility support operations; law and order; and force protection, including narcotic, hu- man, landmine, frearm, ammunition, and explosive detec- tion." 2 Following the ceremony, Master Sergeant Farkas pro- vided the Soldiers with a tour of the old kennels and shared the history of the MWD program and the impact of the pro- gram on the installation, police work, and the armed forces. The knowledge that he shared with current MWD handlers spanned decades. During his visit, Master Sergeant Farkas was amazed by the expansion of the installation and thankful that the unit invited him as a guest speaker for the ceremony. He shared a powerful message that resonated with all law enforce- ment and MWD handlers in attendance. The message was relevant, timeless, and it transcended all branches of Ser- vice: Profession knowledge, and confdence are traits that law enforce have confdence in their ability as professionals and the Conclusion The 513th Military Police Detachment is proud of its new kennel facility. It will be home to fne Soldiers and MWDs who are motivated and dedicated to the mission of narcotic, human, landmine, frearm, ammunition, and explosives de- tection. The unit goal is to increase readiness and be pre- pared to deploy MWD assets in support of this great Nation. The 513th Military Police Detachment looks forward to an- swering that call, and the new kennel facility will serve as the future operations center. Endnotes: 1 Air Force Manual 125-6, USAF Sentry Dog Manual, 15 May 1956. 2 AR 190-12, Military Working Dogs, 11 March 2013. Sergeant Burton is a specialized search dog handler for the 513th Military Police 93d Military Police Battal- ion, Fort Bliss, Texas. He holds a bachelor's degree in