HOULTON, Maine — The Maine Army National Guard 488th Military Police Company is conducting a joint military support to a civil authorities exercise in Houlton, on June 11-12. The event will test the unit’s ability to respond to a scenario requiring it to partner with law enforcement and civil authorities.
The exercise is part of the unit’s two week annual training June 6-20 and will be conducted at several locations statewide. The exercise includes the use of military vehicles and helicopters. This exercise is the culminating annual event for the unit and will test skills they have trained on throughout the year.
“We are excited to see this culminating exercise and regularly plan exercises with the Maine Army National Guard,” said Darren Woods, Aroostook County Emergency Management director. “Giving soldiers, civilian first responders, federal and international partners an opportunity to strengthen relationships ahead of an incident is critical to our success.”
In 2012 the 488th Military Police Company deployed to Bagram, Afghanistan and conducted base security operations.
The unit will work with various agencies during the exercise including Aroostook County Emergency Management Agency, Houlton Police Department, Maine State Police, Aroostook County Sheriff’s Department, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection as well as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Canadian Border Service Agencies.
