At approximately 0850, the van arrived at the Visitor’s Center parking lot at Ft Wood to meet up with their escort, Sergeant First Class (SFC) Jonathan Sablan. Entry onto the installation requires current photo identification provided by all with their driver’s licenses. Once the gate guard properly approved the advance of the van through the gate the tour commenced at Building #729, the Engagement Skill Trainer (EST).
The EST is one of several indoor ranges used to assist in Basic Trainee weapons familiarization/ qualifications training. This video screen range utilizes AR-15 weapons and incorporates a pneumatic-air operation for approximately 20 firing positions, all indoors. The huge screen is configured in a variety of scenes/ scenarios which can be set-up to simulate actual targets, distances and scenarios in-preparation for daylight or night firing. It serves to train soldiers at a fraction of the costs needed for live fire with live ammunition.
After a fun experience and a well-managed range, the group boarded the van to receive a briefing and short tour of the CBRN Responder Training Facility. CBRN stands for: Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear. It was an offshoot of the 9-11 attacks and serves as a premier facility used to train first-responders from Federal, State and a variety of municipal agencies throughout the country. The complex has multiple simulated sites with building mock-ups, tractor trailers, railroad cars, bunkers, underground tunnels to name a few, which are used to create real life scenarios for training and course qualifications.
The next stop was the Dining Facility (DFAC) formerly known as a “mess hall,” for the noon meal. At a cost of $5.60, the group had multiple entrée choices along with sides of starches, vegetables and a variety of salads, drinks.
Of significant recognition, again Brother Hank Scrivener stepped forward and bought lunch for the entire SE2V entourage. That kind of support is not a major expense but helps place Balanced Man Program (BMP) philosophies into real-life scenarios.
It employs a couple of the BMP tenets, e.g., “Accountability and Mentoring,” as it “helps our members make the most of their fraternity experience” while also “engages alumni and volunteers.” Many thanks to Brother Scrivener.
The DFAC at which the SE2V group dined, was part of the 701st Military Police Battalion (MP BN) “footprint” or battalion area. The group was joined in their meal by Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Damon Sheffield and BN Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Nathan Marriam. LTC Sheffield is the 701st Battalion Commander (CDR) and CSM Marriam is that organization’s senior enlisted member who serves as the BN CDR’s “right hand” in virtually all aspects.
The “Command Team” shared the noon meal referred to as “dinner” and fielded several good questions from the SE2V guys.
It was pointed out to the SE2Vs that the 701st is the first MP organization established in the US Army. Its mission is to train all MP soldiers regardless of their rank or assignments. So, MPs who are enlisted, sergeants or officers are all trained by the 701st cadre at Ft Leonard Wood at various times in their careers.
After dining, the SE2V guys were then escorted to the 701st offices (Orderly Room) and Billets (barracks) where the Trainees call home, at least for about six weeks.
Following the visit to the 701st, the group still under SFC Sablan’s guidance, conducted a short “windshield tour” of a few spots on Ft Wood. One such spot was Stem Village which is a complete building complex arrayed to resemble a small shopping center area. In that setting, MPs are given real-life simulated scenarios for evolving crime scenes, e.g., robberies, hostage takings, car-jackings.
Then the van dropped the group off at the John Mahaffey Museum. The museum incorporates the Army Engineers, Chemical and Military Police histories and heraldries. An interesting sidebar is that the late John Mahaffey had Springfield ties and was a friend of MSU. The museum proudly carries his namesake.
After the museum tour, the van returned to the Visitor’s Center to exchange pleasantries with and extend the group’s appreciation to SFC Sablan who did an exemplary job on the tour.
The van then departed for the hour plus ride back to 1117 East Elm arriving safely by about 1615 hours, local military time!