CHILLICOTHE, Ohio–The Chillicothe based 1194th Engineer Company, Ohio Army National Guard, joined forces with Special Response Teams from the Ohio State Highway Patrol and the Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections Feb. 6-7, 2010, to train on military assistance for civil disturbances.
“The reason for continued training is that you never know when we’ll be called upon. This training helps build a relationship and camaraderie between the National Guard and local agencies, making it easier to work together and subdue any possible threats,” said Lt. Col. Bernardino C. Capriato, Jr., the battalion commander.
Combining decades of experience, the Special Response Teams instructed the Soldiers in controlling the two most common types of riots - prison riots and street riots. The two agencies also offered several pieces of advice.
“Cohesiveness is key - being able to trust the guys on your left and right,” said Officer Chris Kemper of the Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections.
Staff Lieutenant Steve Rosta offered another recommendation. “Never give a command that can be understood, always give a command that cannot be misunderstood,” he said. |
The ultimate goal of riot control is to secure the situation with the least amount of force. The trainers instructed the engineers on several methods of securing individuals in non-lethal ways, searching them and arresting them. The first thing they taught the engineers was to know their equipment and their team’s tactics.
“Rehearse with equipment and know how to use your gear,” said Rosta, whose team runs drills, exposes themselves to gas, and even goes as far as using tasers and mace on themselves so they know how it feels and also to build up a tolerance.
The Soldiers trained for two days on the basics and learned to work with other agencies. Pfcs. Erica Hickman and Paulina Conaway liked the tactical training, saying they felt they could better control a riot situation and work well alongside the Special Response Team or the Highway Patrol.
The training culminated with a mock riot. The Special Response Team and The Ohio Highway Patrol acted as the rioters, and it was up to the 1194th to control, subdue and arrest.
Representatives from both the ODRC and OHP said they believe the 1194th is ready to respond should the situation arise. The Soldiers finished the weekend with an awards ceremony for the Special Response Team of the Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections, the Ohio Highway Patrol, and Life Ambulance who provided lunch and medical support for the entire weekends training. |
