Community Policing at Fort Eisenhower

By Captain Richard D. Wilson

Article published on: January 1, 2024 | Military Police, 2024 Edition

Read Time: < 6 mins

On a chilly, rain-soaked Wednesday morning, emergency services liaisons and key leaders gathered around the incident command post, mobilizing in response to a simulated active shooter threat during the annual large-scale exercise at Fort Eisenhower, Georgia. As military police and Department of the Army civilian police confirmed neutralization of the threat, control of the incident command post seamlessly transitioned from the fire department to law enforcement officials. Installation lockdown protocols were concurrently lifted, facilitating the transfer of casualties to local hospitals, while installation emergency operations center personnel pivoted their efforts from containment to rapid recovery. This exercise represented the culmination of a year-long endeavor that encompassed rigorous training and collaboration among numerous agencies from the installation and across local, state, and national emergency services.

Through extensive preparation and cooperation, the 35th Military Police Detachment and the 222d Military Working Dog (MWD) Detachment, both at Fort Eisenhower, exemplify the principles encapsulated in the Military Police Corps Regiment motto—Assist, Protect, Defend. With a proactive approach and the ability to quickly respond during crisis situations, these units not only safeguard lives and property but also demonstrate their unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and security of everyone on Fort Eisenhower.

Assisting in Crisis

Law enforcement organizations—especially military police units—play a crucial role in guaranteeing the safety and security of individuals and communities during crises. At Fort Eisenhower, the 35th Military Police Detachment and the 222d MWD Detachment spearhead a synchronized effort to address diverse emergency challenges. As an integral component of emergency management, the 35th Military Police Detachment excels in executing critical tasks (traffic control, perimeter security) and in escorting personnel to transport assets to affected areas. The 222d MWD Detachment stands ready to assist; the specially trained MWDs and their handlers can detect explosives, narcotics, and other substances that pose a threat to the installation. Emergency operations center personnel convene with first responders at the incident command post to effectively stage available resources for use on and off the installation. This concept seems straightforward; however, in reality, the process is complex—particularly during large-scale events when regional resources are scarce. Despite these challenges, the expertise and synchronization of the emergency response teams guarantee efficient and effective response efforts, maximizing support for impacted communities.

The Fort Eisenhower community is protected through its work with local agencies across each phase of emergency management. During the preparation phase, collaboration with local authorities involves developing comprehensive emergency response plans tailored to the specific needs and vulnerabilities of the community. Training and drill exercises jointly conducted with surrounding counties enhance readiness and interoperability. In the response phase, the swift deployment of specialized personnel and resources can effectively address emergency situations that involve providing medical assistance, conducting evacuations, negotiating for the release of hostages, or providing special weapons and tactics teams. Throughout the recovery phase, close cooperation facilitates the efficient allocation of resources necessary for cleaning up, rebuilding, and ensuring that affected individuals receive the support they need to rebuild their lives. During the mitigation phase, ongoing partnerships with local organizations enable the swift identification of, and response to, potential hazards and vulnerabilities and the implementation of measures to diminish the risk of future emergencies and bolster community resilience. Through this multiphase approach, coordinated efforts with the surrounding area can be instrumental in minimizing the impact of an event.

Reliable communication platforms are crucial in assisting the installation community. By regularly conducting communication exercises, Fort Eisenhower emergency services personnel enable the rapid dissemination of critical information, integrated response efforts, and ability to provide support for affected individuals. Across the garrison, communication plans and methods are validated to achieve unity among responders and provide timely updates to the public. The installation uses the National Incident Management System for a standardized approach during events; the system provides a framework for managing incidents, regardless of size or complexity. By employing standardized terminology, principles, and procedures, the National Incident Management System enhances the overall effectiveness of emergency response efforts for the installation. Despite the spectrum of potential threats, from cyber attacks to disruptions that disable communications, emergency services maintain the ability to communicate effectively.

Protecting in Crisis

Military police fulfill a range of responsibilities to ensure individual safety and to protect the installation, critical infrastructure, and resources during times of emergency or disaster. The 35th Military Police Detachment can establish perimeter security around critical facilities, control access to restricted areas, conduct patrols to deter potential threats, and immediately respond to incidents that might endanger lives or disrupt operations. The specialized skills of the 222d MWD Detachment are vital in patrolling areas and apprehending suspects. During critical circumstances and events, these detachments ensure that crowds are controlled, chaos is prevented, and order is maintained within the community. Military police and their counterparts work tirelessly to posture themselves to meet any threat.

The most valuable resources on Fort Eisenhower are the Service members, Families, and civilians residing there. Military police play a crucial role in assisting with evacuation and shelter plans to preserve those resources. For military police, evacuation efforts include providing traffic control measures; directing evacuees to designated cleared routes; and transporting vulnerable populations, such as the elderly or disabled. Fort Eisenhower emergency response personnel assist in establishing and managing evacuation shelters, confirming that they are safe, well-organized, and equipped with necessary supplies. Military police will continue to coordinate with other agencies to provide support services, such as medical and humanitarian aid. Through the combined security and logistics expertise of the Fort Eisenhower Directorate of Emergency Services, the 35th Military Police Detachment stands ready to contribute to the efficient and orderly evacuation and sheltering of at-risk populations, mitigating the impact of crises and safeguarding lives.

One asset that is unique to Fort Eisenhower is the Army National Guard Youth Challenge Academy. Troubled juveniles ranging from 16 to 18 years of age from across the state of Georgia participate in the Youth Challenge Academy, working to turn their lives around for the better. Escalations that may occur during this rigorous program might require the delicate management of civil order and discipline among the juvenile participants. Having been specially trained for this unique situation, the 35th Military Police Detachment is prepared to step in when necessary.

Defending in Crisis

Nestled within the Fort Eisenhower Directorate of Emergency Services, the 35th Military Police Detachment seamlessly merges with its civilian counterparts as well as various other groups, forging an unparalleled depth of protection. The unit, equipped with advanced training, is a vigilant force, ready to swiftly neutralize hostile situations or implement proactive measures to deter potential threats. Situated at the forefront of intelligence and cyber operations, Fort Eisenhower plays host to numerous prestigious entities, which make it a pivotal operational hub. And with ever-evolving threats (from cyber intrusions to the proliferation of drones) looming over the homeland, ensuring comprehensive protection throughout the installation and conducting around-the-clock activities during crisis situations are of utmost importance.

Partnerships with on- and off-post organizations with unique capabilities enhance the defense readiness of the installation. The significance of communication and unwavering cooperation among partners cannot be overstated. Due to limited capabilities and resources, several Fort Eisenhower units face challenges. Nevertheless, their united efforts have mounted a formidable defense, proficient at safeguarding the installation during a potential urgent event. The 35th Military Police Detachment and the 222d MWD Detachment are pivotal in fostering this collaborative spirit; they enable units to optimize their contributions and effectiveness through consistent interfaces and participation in regular training exercises.

Enabling Protection

The 35th Military Police Detachment and the 222d MWD Detachment collectively serve as the linchpin for the Fort Eisenhower security ecosystem, closely aligning with internal organizations and external local and state agencies to ensure the safety and well-being of the Fort Eisenhower community. Through strategic partnerships, the detachments leverage the unique specialties of each entity to fortify defenses against potential threats. Whether conducting joint training exercises, coordinating response protocols, or sharing best practices, the 35th Military Police Detachment and its civilian counterparts foster a cohesive network of protection that extends beyond the borders of the installation. Through ongoing training and preparedness initiatives, regular upgrades to equipment and maintenance, and a commitment to continuous improvement based on lessons learned and community feedback, Fort Eisenhower continues to strengthen its protection capabilities. These enhancements are made possible by the dedicated efforts of the 35th Military Police Detachment and the 222d MWD Detachment, which stand as cornerstones in protecting the security and resilience of the installation. In upholding the military police motto of Assist, Protect, Defend, these organizations demonstrate their unwavering dedication to safeguarding and supporting the Fort Eisenhower community during crises, serving as a reliable source of security and assistance.