Regimental Command Sergeant Major

Military Police, April, 2003 by James F. Barrett

It's hard to believe that more than a year has passed since I assumed the duties of your Regimental Command Sergeant Major. The time has passed with blinding speed. I have spent more than half of the last year traveling to our Regiment's units. I can say without hesitation that seeing our soldiers in action makes it easy for me to understand why we are known throughout the Army as the Force of Choice.

I can't think of a time in our history when our soldiers have been asked to do more than they are doing today. I am often amazed when talking to these great young men and women; their attitude, motivation, and pride are simply outstanding. Commanders and command sergeants major tell me continually that MP soldiers set the standard in everything they do. In fact, MP soldiers and noncommissioned officers (NCOs) won twenty-three soldier and NCO competitions throughout the Army last year, including the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command Drill Sergeant of the Year.

That pattern is continuing this year. Messages are already streaming in from across the Army, announcing that our soldiers are winning competitions at all levels. Just two weeks ago, it was announced that an MP drill sergeant was named Fort Leonard Wood Drill Sergeant of the Year and another of our drill sergeants was the first runner-up. These soldiers, along with all of our young men and women who quietly perform their duty every day, make me proud to be a member of this great Regiment.

Unfortunately, it does not appear that our pace will decrease in the near future. Our nation is at war. MP units in both the Active and Reserve Components will continue to maintain heavy deployment schedules in support of several operations and missions both in the United States and abroad. We, along with our families, will have to sacrifice; however, I am confident that we will answer the call just as we always have. MP soldiers will continue to earn their reputation as the Force of Choice in the best Army ever fielded.

In closing, I would like to wish every one of you and your families the best during these uncertain times. I also want to thank each of you and your families for what you have done, and will continue to do, for our country, our Army, and our Regiment.