Fort Campbell’s 716th Military Police Battalion takes Emergency Vehicle Operators Course at Saber Army Airfield

Written by 1st Lt. Janet L. Brown
101st Sustainment Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (AA) Public Affairs

Fort Campbell, KY – Driving on Fort Campbell can seem rather simple to the soldiers and civilians who are on post every day.

To a military police officer responding to an emergency situation, ordinary intersections or a vehicle pulling out of a parking lot could become dangerous obstacles. Being prepared for these contingencies when conducting their duties and expecting the unexpected is one of several exercises the MPs train on during their Law Enforcement Training Seminar.

More than 50 soldiers from the 716th Military Police Battalion, 101st Sustainment Brigade, took part in a two-day Emergency Vehicle Operators Course at Saber Army Airfield this past week. The course included a hands-on road test designed to familiarize MPs with vehicles, situational driving and obstacle navigation skills.

“This course allows soldiers to have a hands-on experience and operate a vehicle through a variety of situations while maneuvering in a controlled setting, which builds confidence in their ability to drive their patrol vehicles in unpredictable situations,” said Cpt. Christopher Philpot, battalion law and order officer.

The course is part of the law enforcement training MP’s must complete annually as directed by the Office of the Provost Marshal General. EVOC simulates real-world situations an MP may encounter during their daily job. It tests their abilities to negotiate speed, obstacles, and a variety of driving situations.

Sgt. Ian Haskins, assigned to 194th Military Police Company, 716th MP Bn., 101st Sust. Bde., said he was excited to get back into the patrol vehicles. “Since returning from deployment in Iraq where we only operated the tactical vehicles, and we are able to train in a different aspect of our job,” he said.

“It is a lot of fun to get out here and be able to do this course and perform the maneuvers, but at the same time in a controlled environment” said Sgt. Braden Pryor, who is also assigned to the 194th MP Company, 716th MP Bn., 101st Sustainment Brigade.

Philpot said the soldiers participated in a classroom portion prior to this event in order to learn the dynamics of the vehicles, the maneuverability at different speeds, and driving requirements on Fort Campbell.

If an MP loses control of their vehicle, they run the potential of not only putting themselves at risk, but also innocent bystanders, which they have chosen to assist, protect, and defend.

“The soldiers have the ability to go through the course several times and are evaluated after each run, which allows them to become consistent and gain confidence in their abilities,” Philpot said.

The Law Enforcement Training Seminar (LETS), which includes EVOC, is not the first time soldiers receive law enforcement training.

All military police soldiers complete law enforcement training while attending Advanced Individual Training (AIT); however, all MPs must receive continued training on annual requirements and receive law enforcement training specific to Fort Campbell.

MPs participating in EVOC for the first time on Fort Campbell said they are gaining confidence necessary to perform their required duties.

LETS is two-week training program which is requirement for Military Police Soldiers on Fort Campbell. The program consists of classroom and practical exercises which include active shooter training, domestic disturbance/assault response, traffic stops, driving under the influence, and pepper spray.

(Editor’s note: 1st Lt. Brown is the Unit Public Affairs Representative for the 716th Military Police Battalion, 101st Sustainment Brigade)