1LT Rob Conner's Journal

First Lieutenant Rob Conner is with the 267th Military Police Company, 93rd MP Battalion, 8th MP Brigade, deployed to Iraq in 2009. He helped train Iraqi police at the Al Furat Iraqi Police Training Center.

Aug. 10, 2009 — Well, things are slowing down since 30 June and the implementation of the SOFA (Status-of-Forces Agreement) and “out of the cities.” We continue to partner with the Iraqi Police and Ministry of Interior, but it is on a much less frequent basis, almost like we are on call. These days we might invite our Iraqi counterparts to meetings on our base—they really enjoy the ice cream—or find other creative ways to engage them. Our support is the same, but they are in the lead now, as it should be. Though we all hate to be needed less frequently, we are still here to help, and the Iraqi police are going at it on their own. I almost equate the stage of development they are in to a teenager: He doesn’t know if he can do it, but he is certainly going to try. I have mixed feelings about letting them go, but I can say with certainty that what we have done over here has been a success, mission accomplished. But as always, our battle continues—this time within ourselves.

In the military, there is no free time. If we’re not working for a current operation, we are preparing for future operations. So what does that mean for the Soldiers in my platoon? Training! Which means classroom and physical training on a continuous basis, but it’s not always your run-of-the mill classroom instruction. This time is a chance for us to give responsibility to our junior Soldiers and promote their development into leaders. For example, I might assign them a class to teach or give them a task to accomplish. It’s an important time for leadership to evaluate Soldiers in anticipation of those future operations. Our jobs never take a back seat. Being in the Army National Guard will probably be one of the most important times of our life; even though we might not be conducting combat operations, our success still hinges on how prepared we are for that chance, since it only takes one.

That’s what’s going on for now, but since change is the only certainty in the Army, I’m certain next week will bring a whole new mission set.

June 2, 2009 — I decided to join the National Guard soon after graduating college. For me it was an opportunity for me to serve my country, state and people that have given me so much. Now for the selfish reasons ... I wanted the opportunity to work for and receive training from the greatest organization in the world. I was, and still am, of the opinion that my time in the Army National Guard would provide for me and pay dividends for whatever endeavor I chose to tackle. We talk of perishable skills, but experience in the Army National Guard is a non-perishable skill and one that translates to any civilian career.

For me, I decided on Military Police for several reasons. One, it provided experience in a civilian career field (law enforcement) that I could see myself in. Also, I like the fact that MPs are really "multi-purpose" and that I would get the opportunity to perform many different missions.

It is a great honor to be given the responsibilities and trust of those above and under me. For me, it’s a duty of service: I serve the Soldiers in my platoon. Without them I’m just another individual. And to know that I'm doing everything I can to keep my country and people safe, there is no greater satisfaction. There may be rough days, but I know at the end of the tour, I’ll be able to look back and be proud and understanding of what we did.

I’m currently serving as Police Transition Team Chief at the Provincial level with the 8th MP Brigade. I partner with the Furat Police Training Academy, Baghdad's Police Centralized Maintenance Facility and Iraqi Highway Patrol Headquarters.

"Leadership is one of the greatest honors of all, probably because it is one of the greatest challenges any person can face." It’s the reason I decided to commission—I wanted the opportunity to lead and inspire Soldiers. They really do become your Family. They can frustrate you at times, but in the end they will always be a direct reflection of you.