LTC Bruce Falcone, commanding officer for the 118th Military Police Battalion, says his unit is normally self-sustaining. They deploy with requisite cooks, maintenance personnel and others needed to function on an operation in addition to supplying the required military policing skills. At Range 59C. a firepower demonstration was held for Rhode Island television and print news representatives and the leadership of the Rhode Island Army National Guard. SGT Lewis Walton explained to personnel how they were able to position and arrange training areas on the installation. Army training leadership continues to train at maneuvering away from and getting individuals out of minefields.
Mines continue to be a threat in area formerly a war-stricken part of Yugoslavia.
MG Reginald A. Centracchio, the Adjutant General of the Rhode Island National Guard, explained that all the training is geared toward preparing soldiers to go in harm's way. The military police soldiers all said they were ready to start the mission. Many soldiers train their entire career to execute a mission. Three soldiers also received Army Achievement medals during the unit's mobilization training for their demonstrated dedication and service. They were SSG Dean Lawrence, SPC Jose Mendez, and SPC William Proctor.