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Video by Capt. Douglas Halleaux

Michigan Military Police Train with Latvian Riot Squad

Michigan National Guard

Oct. 4, 2014 | 1:59

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Military Police from Latvia working with Michigan Army National Guard observers and evaluators conducted a riot control exercise as part of Operation Silver Arrow that brought a group Soldiers from the Michigan’s National Guard to Latvia this week. Silver Arrow is a multinational, Latvian-led training exercise operated in conjunction with United States Army Europe and Operation Atlantic Resolve. Sergeant Major Edward Williams is one of Michigan’s Military Police Solders on-hand to observe the action and help evaluate performance.
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“Today has been a riot demonstration outside the main gate of the LSA that required the military police to send their riot platoon in full gear to ascertain what the riot was about and ensure the safety of the installation.”
The *rioters*- Latvian soldiers dressed up for the role- assembled at the gate where Latvian, Norwegian, British, Estonian, and U.S. troops are housed. The group was quiet at first, but soon grew both in numbers and intensity. Soon the riot team was called, and the rioters were quickly pushed out of the installation’s main gate. All throughout, the MPs’ every step was carefully watched, ensuring riot control procedures were followed.
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“When we’re advancing or retreating, we need to keep it steady in one line, so this is my duties. We have a catch team consisting of four people. Their role is when the line opens, they go out and pull some rioters in and apprehend them. So I need to manage also the catch team, when they are going to the protestors and restraining them.”
The activities were only a part of the larger state partnership program bringing Michigan and Latvian soldiers together.
“I think every time we get a chance to work together as partners we learn things from them and they learn things from us, and at the end of the day we’re both stronger countries for it.”
Silver Arrow ends October fifth, after which Michigan’s soldiers will prepare to return home. For the Michigan Army National Guard, I’m Captain Doug Halleaux.