92d Military Police Battalion is "on the watch" in Iraq.

The Soldiers of the Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 92d Military Police Battalion, and the 372d Military Police Battalion assembled in formation last month on the rocky ground outside their headquarters in Iraq for a ceremony to recognize the official transfer of authority from the outgoing 372d Military Police Battalion to the incoming 92d Military Police Battalion. When the ceremony was complete, the Soldiers of the Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 92d Military Police Battalion, assumed responsibility for military police operations in West Baghdad and the Al Anbar Province. This area encompasses the greater part of the capital city with its seven million inhabitants, the volatile cities of Ramadi and Fallujah, and the land all the way to the Syrian border.

Meanwhile, its mission complete, the Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment of the 372d Military Police Battalion prepared for the journey home. The 372d is proud to trace its roots to the Revolutionary War. The unit's colors have seen service throughout the nation's history. During a speech at the ceremony, Lieutenant Colonel Aaron Dean, 372d Military Police Battalion commander, commended his troops for their flexibility through the deployment. Colonel Michael Galloucis, commander of the 89th Military Police Brigade, praised the Soldiers of the 372d for their role in support of the Police Partnership Program and the initiation of the police transition teams and for their support of Operation Together Forward. Colonel Galloucis and Command Sergeant Major Michael Sampson, the brigade command sergeant major, took the time to thank and shake hands with each Soldier in the detachment.

Lieutenant Colonel Leonard Cosby, 92d Military Police Battalion commander, and Command Sergeant Major Patrick Dawson, the battalion command sergeant major, had the honor to uncase the battalion's colors. This marked the beginning of the latest call to service for the 92d Military Police Battalion. The Army has activated the battalion in times of need during World War II and the conflicts in Korea, Vietnam, and Panama. It was most recently reactivated at Fort Benning, Georgia, on 19 April 2006 with the mission to deploy to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lieutenant Colonel Cosby said, "Everyone in the 92d should take great pride in the fact that we are writing the next chapter in the history of this battalion. We assume our mission in full stride with the momentum generated by the 372d as we coach, teach, and mentor the Iraqi police force, forging an effective, visible, and professional force. I know that we will succeed in accomplishing this important mission."

The 92d Military Police Battalion, under the 89th Military Police Brigade, is responsible for more than 10 subordinate units. This brings a challenge to the battalion headquarters, which must now support an unprecedented number of subordinate units. Increases in technology give commanders access to accurate, timely, and relevant information more quickly than ever before. The headquarters of the 92d prepared for this mission through numerous staff exercises at Fort Benning and Fort Hood, Texas, setting the conditions for their success.

The battalion must mold the Iraqi police forces into a competent force capable of providing security for the Iraqi people. With the colors unfurled and the transfer of authority complete, the Soldiers of the Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 92d Military Police Battalion, understand the importance of this mission and will work to help set the stage for an Iraqi police force that will assume the lead for domestic security.

Captain Pelley is the commander of the Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 92d Military Police Battalion. His previous service includes deployments to Iraq and Kosovo. He served as an armor crewman before receiving his commission through the officer candidate school.

First Lieutenant Enriquez is the assistant adjutant for the 92d Military Police Battalion. His previous assignment was as executive officer for A Company, 3d Battalion, 4th Infantry Basic Combat Training Brigade, Fort Benning. He graduated from Florida International University where he was commissioned through the Reserve Officer Training Corps Program.