Military Police

FALL 2015

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/567773

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 6 of 51

5 By Lieutenant Colonel Craig F. Benedict (Retired) I n 2012, the Chief of Staff of the Army addressed how the Army could best serve the Nation. As a fundamen- tal element of his strategy, he introduced the concept of regionally aligned forces (RAFs). Under the concept, des- ignated forces that received cultural training and language familiarization would be assigned to specifed regions. The implementation of the concept would lead to a stronger glob- al security environment. 1 However, history indicates that military success depends on more than cultural training and language instruction. Experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan unquestionably offer some lessons in regard to a lack of cul- tural awareness, illustrating the problem and offering solu- tions. RAFs were designed to build upon lessons learned in Iraq and Afghanistan. The frst area of responsibility (AOR) to be assigned a RAF was Africa. As full implementation advances, a faster introduction of Army forces in the assigned regions will undoubtedly take place. And although the abstract concept supports improved Army op- erations around the world, the training and preparation details require considerable thought and development. While much of this planning has already been completed, a closer look may be necessary to ensure appropriate accounting for antiterrorism. The ubiq- uitous threat of terrorism represents a serious consideration in any overseas deployment. Among other functions, the preparation for RAFs must include planning, coordination, and antiterrorism training. An example from the distant American past may offer dis- tinct lessons learned and considerations for American forces entering a different environment and suggest some common pitfalls that the Army may confront, even today. Fort Michil- imackinac, in what is now northern Michigan, was designed to protect British colonial interests in the area. The fort was manned primarily by British soldiers, French fur traders, and their family members. A British veteran of the French and Indian War had recently been assigned as commander of the fort. In spite of warnings from people who lived in the region, the commander failed to take precautions when he was invited to observe an Indian celebration just outside the fort. According to the story, "On June 2 [1763], a band of Chippewas playing a game of lacrosse near Fort Mich- ilimackinac threw the ball over the palisades. When they entered the fort, supposedly to retrieve the ball, they pulled out knives and tomahawks and slaughtered most of the oc- cupants . . . ." 2 The commander and Soldiers residing within the fort were clearly unprepared for that type of attack. And although the incident occurred more than 250 years ago, this principle is still true today: Preparation for the unique characteristics of the operational area will improve the unit protection posture and support effective mission execution. What could the forces at Fort Michilimackinac have done differently to improve protection against an attack? The RAF concept provides an answer to the same question facing today's Army. RAFs involve rigorous preparation for specifc AORs, including preparation for possible terrorist attacks. Preparation before deploy- ment undeniably provides the agility and neces- sary for expeditious move- ment and employment. The RAF concept incorporates "highly trained and culturally savvy forces" developed be- fore deployment and specifes ". . . mandatory cultural, re- gional expertise (CREL) education and additional specifc training dictated by combatant command (CCMD) require- ments." 3 This is broad guidance; the practical application of that guidance demands careful and continuous coordina- tion, AOR-specifc training, and exercises that apply to AOR scenarios. Antiterrorism planning is an integral part of the broad training requirement that, given the emphasis on cul- tural awareness training, could possibly be overlooked. The Army Antiterrorism Strategic Plan, Phase II, "Burnishing the Steel, 2013–2016," provides for the practical integration of antiterrorism into RAF units. It designates an objective designed to initiate the development of necessary antiterror- ism-related preparedness. Secrecy and deception are fundamental tenets of terror- ist operations. A recent admonition from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL)-sponsored periodical Dabiq "Antiterrorism planning is an integral part of the broad training requirement that, given the emphasis on cultural awareness training, could possibly be overlooked." Fall 2015

Articles in this issue

Archives of this issue

view archives of Military Police - FALL 2015