Clackamas SWAT trains ONG before Iraq deployment

Apr 04,2008 00:00 by Bend_Weekly_News_Sources

CAMP WITHYCOMBE, Ore. -- Soldiers of the Oregon Army National Guard 41 Special Troops Battalion will train with the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office SWAT Team on Saturday, April 5, at Camp Withycombe, Oregon.

Clackamas County SWAT team - CCSO photo

The event will cover simulated hand to hand combat, room clearing, and handling procedures. Oregon soldiers and SWAT officers will conduct tactical training beginning at 10 a.m.

"Our SWAT team is proud to share its expertise and training with the Oregon National Guard," said Sheriff Craig Roberts. "We hope it helps guide them in Iraq -- and we hope this training helps bring them back safely to friends and loved ones," he said.

"The Clackamas County Sheriff's Office is honored to help our men and women in uniform," he added.

The 41 STB will deploy to Iraq in 2009 with the 41 IBCT. About 35 Soldiers with the 41STB will take part in the weekend training event. Once in Iraq, the soldiers who make up part of the Oregon National Guards' Military Police, will take part in protection operations, civil support, and security.

"The Special Troops Battalion's doctrinal role in civil support and stability operations requires we train and maintain proficiency in skills needed to interact with civil populations during the conduct of operations" said Lt. Col. Ken Nygren, Commander of the 41st Brigade Combat Team. "The training this weekend with the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office will allow us to learn those techniques from the professionals who do it everyday," he said.

Special Troops Battalions are multi functional battalions designed to leverage the strengths of each element into teams to provide maneuver enhancement operations for a Brigade Team, Nygren said. Recent operations using STB's have pr oven their worth with soldiers being used in protection operations, civil support, and humanitarian assistance, he added.