The Red Bulls

The MPs patrol the base looking for anything suspicious or dangerous, as well as helping residents in need.

“This can range from vehicle accidents, lost identification cards or criminal activities,” said Lt. Col. Dale Slimmer, the Multi-National Division – South provost marshal. “From the (base defense operations center), the fire department, ambulance, military police or quick reaction force will be dispatched depending on the emergency.”

“We patrol the streets of COB Basra and make sure no one is committing traffic violations; we also conduct random searches of local nationals to ensure they don’t have anything they aren’t supposed to,” said Spc. Robert McGrane, a patrol officer with 34th MP Co. “In the searches, we are looking for any kind of contraband they aren’t allowed to have they may have sneaked in.”

Something the patrol officers look for are vehicles that are weighed down more than other vehicles. Although they said most of the time these vehicles’ occupants mean no harm, they search them anyway to be sure.

“Sometimes we find cell phones and DVD players they aren’t supposed to have,” McGrane, a Spring Valley, Wis., native said. “Anything that can store media, they aren’t supposed to have it on post.”

Not being allowing to carry these items makes it impossible for the local nationals to take photos or retain documents to take off-post when they return home at night, he added.

If residents of COB Basra see any suspicious activity, they are urged to call it in to the military police help desk by calling 911 on any phone.

The purpose of this mission is to provide an additional resource for security and enforcement of rules, regulations and policies, according to Slimmer, a Little Falls, Minn., native. This project will continue to grow even after the 34th Infantry Division has returned home to Minnesota.