Regimental Command Sergeant Major - Brief Article

Military Police, March, 2002

Command Sergeant Major Daniel B. Rimmer

Greetings from Fort Leonard Wood!

As I reflected on the past six months and what to write about for this edition, it was hard to get past 11 September 2001. With that said, I felt it important to keep a perspective that focuses on our strengths as military police, soldiers, and citizens of this great nation. I have said numerous times throughout my tenure that I am extremely proud of this Regiment and the reputation you have earned as the force of choice! It's a proud banner, and we have earned a place in the Objective Force because of the tough and demanding job you all do for your communities and your country every day.

Our great leaders, soldiers, and civilians who are totally committed to this Regiment and what it stands for make this possible. Yes, I am biased! However, I have this same opinion reinforced to me routinely by the senior leadership of the Army as I travel. I have visited units throughout the world these past few months and have seen MP soldiers training for missions across the spectrum--from soldiers who are forward deployed in Korea to brand new privates working an access control point only meters from the smoldering Pentagon.

I see NCOs training and integrating soldiers from another unit because we had to "cross level" to meet ramp strength for yet another deployment. I see the strength of family readiness groups that allow these soldiers to be focused on the mission and not be overly concerned about the loved ones being left behind, again. At social functions, whether a dining in or an MP ball, I see our support personnel from the other branches bonding and working side by side to make these units and events great. I hear the accolades from the community and maneuver commanders about what great soldiers we have and how much they mean to them. Most of what I have described happened before 11 September 2001.

Since that tragedy, our responsibility, role, and response to those same commanders have once again established us as the force of choice. The expectations are high, and there is much at stake in the kind of war we are now engaged in. We are fighting a concept, not a country. We are trying to destroy a network, not a nation! The events of 11 September happened on our soil; this is personal!

I was in Hawaii when this tragedy occurred. I watched and listened as many parallels were drawn between 7 December 1941 and 11 September 2001. The sleeping giant had been awakened, as we know, along with our civilian counterparts. That giant slept because there were dedicated professionals on duty 24/7, abroad and in every community across our nation. I watched the MP soldiers not only respond and establish an increased security posture but also bring order and control to the entire community with their presence and their professionalism.

We responded worldwide and today stand shoulder to shoulder with our Reserve and National Guard MP brethren, on point, for our nation. Leaders, soldiers, and family members sleep better at night because of you. Travelers feel comfortable in airports because of you. It may be some time before we redefine what "normal" is; however, rest assured that whatever that condition is, the foundation of it will be based on how well we live up to the words that encircle our regimental crest, our family coat of arms--assist, protect, defend. We are faced with many challenges; be trained and ready for any threat.

Over 450 members of the Regiment accepted the anniversary challenge this year. Thanks for your dedication to excellence and willingness to face adversity. NCOs, one more challenge--don't complain, about the soldiers you receive; brag about the ones you produce!

Be proud of what you do, who you are, and what you stand for as Americans! God bless you, this Regiment, and our great nation!