Springfield-Based Military Police Co. Prepares for Deployment to Alaska

Soldiers assigned to the Illinois Army National Guard's 233rd Military Police Company are preparing for an upcoming deployment to Alaska as the unit continues training to maintain readiness and support mission requirements.
Approximately 70 Soldiers of the Springfield-based unit are slated to deploy in June where they will protect anti-ballistic missiles critical to the defense of United States. In March the unit underwent intensive deployment training at the Illinois Army National Guard's Marseilles Training Area.
During the training at Marseilles, Soldiers conducted patrols and rehearsed tactical movements as part of the unit's "Road to War" training. The exercise is designed to simulate real-world operational conditions and prepare Soldiers for potential deployments. In preparation for the mission, Soldiers participated in a variety of training events designed to strengthen tactical proficiency, communication and teamwork. Training has included classroom instruction, battle drills, weapons qualifications and field exercises to ensure Soldiers are prepared to operate effectively in a range of operational environments.
"I volunteered for the deployment because it's an opportunity to gain experience and unlock benefits, but also to see new places and meet new people," said Spc. Lizbeth Olmeda, a Military Police Soldier assigned to the 33rd Military Police Battalion who volunteered to deploy with the 233rd Military Police Company. "It's something I didn't want to pass up."
Olmeda said the training leading up to the mission has helped build her confidence and readiness for the upcoming deployment.
"The training has been really engaging," Olmeda said. "I especially enjoy the field exercises because they give us the chance to apply what we've learned in a realistic environment."
As the deployment approaches, Soldiers of the 233rd Military Police Company remain focused on readiness, teamwork and mission success as they prepare to support operations in Alaska.