Backing a fully loaded military truck and trailer up a ramp and into the hold of an air force transport aircraft is much like pushing a rope uphill. Add the contrast of a glairing, cloudless day against a dark cavernous pit and even the most experienced driver would start to sweat, eyes unable to adjust, nerves tense, as the sun burns into the truck's mirrors.

The sun was one of many challenges faced by soldiers of a joint exercise between the 42nd MP Brigade and the 62nd Airlift Wing at McChord Field, Joint Base Lewis-McChord Aug. 5, 6 and 7. The training was to develop and perfect an MP unit that can be sent anywhere around the world on 24 hours notice, not unlike that performed by the Army Rangers. The differences between the two are in size and mission. While the Rangers are primarily used to quell insurrections, the MP unit, according to Lt. Fudge and Captain Devaul-Fetters, will be used primarily for humanitarian purposes.

"Our main goal is to rapidly deploy small packages for humanitarian assistance," said Devaul-Fetters. Fudge, assigned to the unit just four days earlier and carefully observing the training, agreed.

The rapid deployment idea is a new twist in an effort to keep up with the changing military model of smaller units getting to troubled spots quickly. The 42nd MPs have also been at the forefront of innovation when it comes to criminal treatment. They returned last year from an assignment managing detainees at Parwan Detention Center at Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan. After that very dangerous assignment they returned to JBLM to manage the base police department and the base jail. In conjunction with that assignment they also operate the Department of Emergency Services and run the Northwest Regional Corrections Facility.

Working with prisoners in innovative ways has been a goal. Through such pioneering thinking they teach many inmates how to grow their own food and some inmates are training puppies to be companion dogs for the disabled. Helping themselves, and others, helps build self-esteem and will hopefully make them better citizens.

>>> Photo credit: Riichard Baker

Continuing their innovative thinking is what led them to this day's exercise. The exercise was to teach the MPs how to organize loads of equipment to be used by about 20 personnel and to test them in a deployment sequence. Everything is loaded onto two trucks with trailers. Two additional Humvees are also used. One of the trucks expands and serves as the command post. The other truck is used for supplies. The special MP unit is then deposited where needed to act as the control point for other units, either humanitarian or military.

Devaul-Fetters said, "We are presently a headquarters unit and this is our first time dealing with rapid deployment."

On previous days they practiced backing by marking out sections the size of the aircraft on the ground of the motor pool. Backing onto a flat surface with only imaginary walls proved much easier than backing up an aircraft ramp and into the fuselage of a tightly held space.

Several Army drivers, directed by different air force personnel, all received their chances to thread the string through the needle. The drivers and air force personnel were all new at the exercise and various instructions had to be learned, practiced, and modified.

>>> Photo credit: Richard Baker

The equipment must be backed onto the transports at the departure point so the vehicles can be quickly driven off at arrival. Time spent loading the vehicles is not as vital or dangerous as when troops arrive in unknown situations, possibly hostile ones. The loading is precise. The vehicles are taped along their sides to indicate their center of gravity so they can be positioned in the aircraft without upsetting the balance.

Cooperation was evident everywhere. Air Force Staff Sgt. James Harp gathered the MPs to explain the exercise. His voice was clear and exact, a man who instantly inspires confidence. Warrant Officer Cuz walked between the men offering encouragement and everywhere air force personnel helped guide the trucks into the transport.

The day was long and sometimes frustrating, the sun unmerciful. The mission was accomplished with both military units working together while exchanging good humor and the gentle ribbing that reveals mutual respect between different units.

"The Air Force has been very accommodating," said Devaul-Fetters. "We are the forerunners for this type of operation. Other corps will follow these exercises and benefit from what we have learned."

What the MPs of the 42nd MP Brigade and the 6nd Airlift Wing have accomplished will allow others to push a rope up a hill, even a rope of steel weighing several tons.