Strengthening Partnerships for National Security

Insights from the Provost Marshal Office, U.S. Army Military District of Washington, DOD and Interagency Breakfast

By Major Quenten L. Vereen

Article published on: March 1st, 2025, in the Annual Issue of the Military Police Journal

Read Time: < 2 mins

On 6 December 2024, the Provost Marshal Office, Joint Task Force–National Capital Region (JTF-NCR)/U.S. Army Military District of Washington (USAMDW), hosted a Department of Defense (DOD) and interagency breakfast on Fort McNair, Washington, D.C. The purpose of the event was to strengthen partnerships and enhance information sharing across the National Capital Region (NCR). The breakfast served as a platform to underscore the critical importance of interagency collaboration for the JTF-NCR/USAMDW as the dates of several significant national special-security events quickly approached.

The breakfast attracted 107 attendees from 24 agencies, including representatives from DOD partners; emergency services; and local, state, and federal law enforcement. Discussions centered around law enforcement and security efforts in preparation for the upcoming 2025 Presidential Inauguration. Keynote presentations were delivered by Ms. Cathy Lanier, Senior Vice President and Chief Security Officer for the National Football League, followed by an executive panel discussion featuring DOD interagency partners and members.

Collaboration and Security

Drawing upon her extensive experience in law enforcement and crowd management, Ms. Lanier discussed the complexities of preparing for large-scale events and the importance of proactive planning and coordination.

Major General Trevor J. Bredenkamp, Commanding General, JTF-NCR/USAMDW, also addressed the group. He articulated the vital role that cooperative efforts play in ensuring safety and security. His message emphasized the necessity for a collaborative approach to planning and executing security measures during the inauguration, where 220,000 visitors were expected to attend.

Panel Discussions and Key Insights

Following the keynote address, an executive panel comprised of senior representatives from various agencies (including the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department, U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Capitol Police, U.S. Park Police, and the D.C. U.S. Army National Guard) held informative discussions that helped to build relationships and strengthen communications. Each panel member shared valuable lessons learned from past events while addressing specific challenges related to interagency communication and operational readiness.

One critical topic of discussion was radio interoperability. Panelists collectively stressed the need for effective internal and external communications during high-profile security operations. This consensus reinforced the concept that robust communication capabilities are necessary for unified collaboration across multiple agencies.

U.S. Army Colonel Mark R. Danner, provost marshal for the JTF–NCR and USAMDW, speaks during a DOD and inter agency breakfast at Fort McNair. Photo by Staff Sergeant Ramon A. Adelan

The panel also discussed the importance of examining after-action reviews from previous national special-security events. The identification of strengths and areas of improvement from prior missions facilitates continuous improvement and learning, ultimately enhancing the readiness and effectiveness of future operations.

In addition, the discussion highlighted the importance of training and rehearsals. The planning and execution of large-scale events are complex and pose various risks. However, effective training and rehearsals improve preparedness, ensure a shared understanding of operations, and help identify gaps in planning and resources.

Future Challenges

As the DOD and interagency breakfast concluded, reflections on the morning discussions emphasized the value of partnerships in the NCR and served as a reminder that in an environment for which threats are increasingly complex, a collaborative approach is essential to effectively safeguard our nation. As the JTF-NCR continues to build on the groundwork laid during this event, the military police community must remain committed to building partnerships and sharing information with DOD and interagency partners. Strengthening partnerships is an invaluable technique that can be used to enhance security within the communities we serve.